FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Senate Republicans Work to Strengthen Wildfire Preparedness, Increase Firefighter Resources with New Bipartisan Legislation
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— In response to the propensity of year-round wildfire risks across Arizona, Senator David Gowan and Senator Kevin Payne are working to strengthen both preparedness and response efforts by equipping rural and municipal fire departments with the resources they need to protect Arizona communities from disaster.
Firefighters across Arizona respond to thousands of wildfires each year. In the span of three years, the Arizona Dispatch Center reports 7,200 wildfires burned over 1,825,308 acres of land in Arizona. Massive operations initiated by fire personnel to save homes and lives require continuous improvements to ensure the best and most effective techniques are used. Senator Gowan and Senator Payne recognize the statewide concern and are taking action with new bipartisan legislation to provide a more proactive approach with wildfire mitigation.
SB 1297, sponsored by Senator Payne, directs $6.5 million to the Department of Administration for local fire departments to implement a Fire Incident Management System. This initiative provides funding to equip fire engines with state-of-the-art communications systems that will improve coordination between local fire departments, emergency responders, and state authorities. SB 1285, sponsored by Senator Gown, appropriates $12.5 million to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. This funding will be awarded as grants to fire districts for the purchase of tactical water tenders, as well as type 3 and type 6 fire engines for wildfire response.
This afternoon, SB 1285 passed out of Senate Appropriations Committee, and SB 1297 passed out of Senate Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee, both with bipartisan support.
"Ensuring firefighters are properly trained and equipped to respond to wildfire emergencies is a top priority for fire districts across the state," said Fire Chief Jake Rhoades "The passage of SB 1285 and SB 1297 would significantly assist our efforts, by equipping our personnel with essential firefighting apparatus needed to complete the mission."
"With the ongoing development of lands adjacent to natural forested and desert areas, the wildfire threat is front and center for Arizona communities," said Senator Gowan. "I am committed to providing our first responders with the resources they need to save lives and property from wildfire tragedy."
"While California's government prioritized progressive political agendas like DEI over the resources needed to fight wildfires efficiently, Arizona Senate Republicans remain focused on what truly matters – protecting our communities and preparing for the annual fire season," said Senator Payne. "We will continue to invest in the tools and technology necessary to ensure or firefighters have what they need so that what happened in California never happens here at home."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus kquintero@azleg.gov
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