Frequently Asked Questions

A Fire & Medical Authority, via a Joint Powers Agreement, is an entity permitted under the laws of the state, whereby two or more public authorities may jointly exercise any power common to them.

 

A fire district is a political subdivision of the State, formed for the protection of persons and property in an area approved by the county.

Fire departments are part of a municipal government and are funded through the City’s general fund revenues which are derived from sales tax, state shared revenues, and property taxes. Fire departments are overseen by the same municipal council that oversees all City departments. A fire department generally only protects the area within the boundaries of their city.

 

Fire districts are special taxing districts and are independent of any city or county government. They provide service to multiple geographical areas which may include rural and/or unincorporated county areas and one or more municipalities. Fire districts range in size from all volunteer operations with budgets of less than $100,000 to large urban fire districts with budgets in the millions of dollars. Much of their funding is derived from personal property taxes collected within the fire district’s boundaries. Fire districts are overseen by a board of directors elected at large by the citizens of the district.

The Authority and Districts are governed by elected boards. Fire district board members are elected to alternating four-year terms so at least two are elected every two years. The Authority board members are selected by the District boards. The boards establish policy and approve annual budgets. 

The Authority/Districts are organized under the laws of the state of Arizona. They generate a majority of their revenues from a secondary property tax assessed on all real property.

 

The tax rates are set each August by the County Board of Supervisors based on the direction of the Fire District / Authority Boards of Directors. The maximum tax rate allowed is $3.25 per $100 secondary assessed value.

As special districts, each fire district's taxes are assessed with other property taxes, such as school taxes. They can either be incorporated into a mortgage payment or paid when billed, with your other taxes. The Fire Districts then transfer this funding to the Authority for the provision of emergency services.

While insurance rates vary, you may realize a decrease in your property insurance premiums when you annex into a District/Authority, especially if you currently do not have adequate fire protection. 

 

Yes, if you itemize your tax deductions.

In an emergency, the Authority can be reached by dialing 9-1-1. The Administrative Office phone number is (623) 544-5400. The Authority business hours are from 7 AM - 5 PM Monday - Thursday (excluding holidays).

For an area to annex into the District/Authority, a simple majority of the voters, the property owners, and those representing a majority of the property value, must support the annexation. To begin the process of for assistance with the process, a property owner should contact Deputy Chief Kane Nixon at (623) 544-5400.

 

The answer to this question is simple; better service. When you or your loved one is having an emergency, it is important to receive care as quickly as possible. A fire engine responds with additional personnel to assist the paramedics on the ambulance in providing that care. All Authority fire engines are ALS (advanced life support) equipped and capable of providing advanced medical intervention and procedures. This includes pharmacological and cardiac treatment.

Assigned Authority staff have received special training to become Certified Car Safety Seat Technicians. The technicians will be happy to inspect or help install your child safety seat at no cost to you. Please contact the Administrative Offices at (623)544-5400 for more information or CLICK HERE to visit our calendar for inspection/installation dates.

The Authority does not currently sell or trade patches.

Applications will be accepted only during posted recruitment periods. Please call the Authority at (623) 544-5400 or visit the Career Opportunities for further information.

Yes, but you must be at least 18 years of age. You may ride with the fire/EMS crew between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and typically only once per year. Contact the Administrative Office at (623) 544-5400 for more information. 

Yes, the Authority offers tours of each of our facilities. To schedule a tour, please follow this link. Questions? Please contact the Administrative Office at (623) 544-5400.

To request reports visit the EMS and Fire reports section. 

 

EMS reports can only be requested by the persons involved in the incident, by the legal guardian (with proof of guardianship), by the parent or legal guardian of a minor, or by subpoena. A signed medical release form (signed by client or guardian) must accompany a written request by an attorney. 

Fire-related and other incident reports (non EMS) are public information with some restrictions. 

Processing time for the above reports is approximately 10 business days. 

For more information, please contact the Authority at (623)544-5400.

Each smoke alarm has a test button, usually in the center of the unit. Press and hold the test button for a few seconds.The alarm will sound and will automatically stop after a few more seconds. For reliability, smoke alarms should be replaced once they are 10 years old. If you need help or additional information, call the Authority Administrative Office at (623) 544-5400.