Cedar City council discusses rising fire department call volume and insurance impacts

The Cedar City Council Retreat held on March 21, 2025, focused on various pressing issues, including public safety and budgetary concerns. The meeting began with a presentation from city officials, followed by discussions on the performance and challenges faced by the local fire department.

Fire Chief Mike Phillips reported a significant increase in call volume over the past decade, noting a 58% rise. He highlighted the department's active involvement in wildland firefighting, with current operations in Texas. Phillips mentioned that the department generated over half a million dollars from the wildland program in the previous year, indicating a successful fire season.

A key point of discussion was the return on investment from the department's assets used in out-of-state firefighting efforts. Phillips confirmed that these investments have paid for themselves, yielding approximately 60% profit after expenses.

Concerns were raised regarding the city's Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which affects homeowners' insurance eligibility. Chief Phillips explained that as the city expands beyond a five-mile radius from fire stations, insurance companies are increasingly reluctant to provide coverage, leading to complaints from residents, particularly in the Fiddlers Canyon area. This situation has created challenges for developers and homeowners seeking insurance for new properties.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on these issues, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to address the growing concerns related to public safety and insurance coverage in Cedar City.