01/09/2026
Remembering the Montecito Debris Flow Disaster
As we remember the Montecito Debris Flow disaster on this day in 2018, 911 At Ease International honors the first responders who served with courage and the community members who united to heal and rebuild.
During this tragedy, At Ease was the only organization to provide Critical Incident Stress Management debriefings at the disaster command center and offer long-term, confidential counseling to affected first responders.
Montecito Fire Chief Chip Hickman, who commanded rescue efforts, credits At Ease with saving his department. While agencies typically lose 10% of personnel following disasters of this magnitude, Chief Hickman retained his entire team, a testament to the program’s impact.
911 At Ease International has continued to serve our local first responders in every major disaster since then, including the Conception boat fire tragedy. Founded in Santa Barbara by local first responders over a decade ago, we have served more than 12,600 first responders and family members. Our services have received state and national recognition, including the California State Assembly Non-profit of the Year award.
Watch CBS News this Friday for coverage of our work supporting first responders from the Los Angeles fires. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/video/nonprofit-responds-to-republican-led-investigation-on-fireaid-fund-distribution/
Learn more at 911AEI.org and support those who protect us by making a donation today.