Mike Eliason, a retired public information officer with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, announced on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer. Eliason, who is also known for his work as a professional photographer, suggested that his diagnosis might be due to nearly four decades of exposure to smoke from fires and chemicals from his pre-digital photography darkroom work.
Eliason’s remarkable career saw him cover nearly every major catastrophe in Santa Barbara County over decades. From the Conception dive boat disaster to the deadly Montecito mudslides and the Thomas Fire – the largest wildfire in California history at the time – Eliason was there, embedded with fire crews, giving the public and media unprecedented access to the front lines of these emergencies.
His work extended beyond the traditional role of a fire department spokesperson. Utilizing his professional photography skills, he captured striking images and videos of first responders in action, often under dangerous and challenging conditions. His photos have been widely shared with major publications and television networks both within and outside of Southern California.
Eliason retired from the Fire Department in March after 11 years of service. Prior to his role with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, he worked as a photographer for the now-defunct Santa Barbara News-Press. Since retiring, Eliason has continued to showcase his photography talent by capturing nature, wildlife, and community events.
Despite his diagnosis, Eliason remains optimistic, stating that his cancer hasn’t spread beyond its current location and his doctors anticipate a “positive outcome”. Eliason’s situation illustrates the increased risk of developing cancer that firefighters and other first responders face due to their exposure to hazardous substances in their line of work. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer compared to the general public, and 14% more likely to die from it.
As the news of Eliason’s diagnosis broke, expressions of support have poured in from the Santa Barbara community, media professionals, and fire department colleagues. His impactful work will undoubtedly continue to inspire communications professionals in high-risk environments.