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Council discussion highlights fire-safety risks in older RV parks, cautions about displacement
Summary
After a recent park fire, council and community members warned that cramped spaces, added sheds and aging electrical hookups make RV parks hazardous; officials said upgrades may require reducing spaces and stressed the need for relocation plans.
Quartzsite town leaders and residents raised urgent safety concerns about older RV parks during a budget-focused planning session, saying a recent fire showed how close spacing, awnings and added structures can accelerate fire spread.
Speaker 10, a chamber representative, described the problem: photos from the recent fire showed flames traveling under awnings and spreading to neighboring units. Council members and staff said many park sites were designed for single-wide units and now host large RVs whose slides and awnings close narrow safety gaps.
Mayor (speaker 2) said some parks will only meet code by reducing the number of spaces, which could leave displaced residents without a place to go. "The only way for some of those parks to become compliant and that is to reduce the number of spaces...which means therefore, we need to ensure that there's some place for those people to go," the mayor said.
Speakers urged a measured approach: create park-management coordination, improve public education about fire risks, and plan for potential temporary housing or relocation before ordering park upgrades. Several council members also emphasized that code enforcement needs to be consistent and clearly explained to park owners and residents so enforcement does not appear arbitrary.
No formal motion was made at the session; council members asked staff to research options and return with proposals that balance life-safety improvements against the risk of displacing vulnerable residents.
