Fire Chief Randy Chevalier Highlights Funding Challenges for Timber Mesa Fire District

The Fire Preparedness Committee of the Arizona Legislature convened on July 29, 2025, to address critical issues facing fire districts across the state. The meeting featured testimony from various fire officials, including Randy Chevalier, Fire Chief of Timber Mesa Fire Medical District, who highlighted the challenges of underfunding and resource limitations in rural fire districts.

Chief Chevalier opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of collaboration among fire districts and federal agencies, particularly in response to the increasing demands placed on them by tourism and urban sprawl. He noted that many fire districts, especially those in rural areas, are struggling to meet the needs of their communities due to limited funding sources, primarily reliant on property taxes and competitive grants.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the recent experiences of Timber Mesa during a major structure fire on July 10, where a 10,000 square foot home was engulfed in flames. Chief Chevalier described the difficulties faced during the incident, including inadequate water supply and limited access to firefighting resources. He stressed that the fire's rapid escalation required a second alarm response, which ultimately depleted available firefighting personnel across multiple districts.

The committee members acknowledged the testimony's importance in raising awareness about the funding challenges faced by fire districts. They discussed previous legislative efforts regarding Certificates of Necessity (CON), which are crucial for rural fire districts to secure funding for emergency medical services. The conversation also touched on the need for better public awareness of fire safety, particularly among weekend visitors to rural areas who may not understand the fire risks associated with their activities.

As the meeting progressed, committee members expressed their commitment to advocating for increased funding and resources for fire districts. They discussed potential appropriations aimed at fire mitigation programs and the importance of home hardening to protect communities from wildfires.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for legislative support to address the funding and resource challenges faced by Arizona's fire districts. The committee plans to continue discussions and explore solutions to enhance fire preparedness and response capabilities across the state.