In a move to address Arizona’s wildfire concerns, Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro has announced the creation of the Fire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee, appointing State Representative David Marshall as its chair. State Representative Gail Griffin, who represents District 19, has been selected to serve as a member. The committee aims to address the state’s readiness for catastrophic fires and related issues such as insurance policy coverage in both rural and urban areas.
“I’m honored that Speaker Montenegro has entrusted me to chair this committee because this issue couldn’t be more urgent for Arizona,” Marshall said. “The devastation caused by wildfires is staggering—homes lost, businesses wiped out, communities shattered. We’ve seen the warning signs in our state and the catastrophic disasters unfolding in places like California. It’s our job to make sure we are as prepared as possible to prevent and respond to these fires before they destroy precious lives and priceless property.”
The Fire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee is tasked with a comprehensive review of Arizona’s wildfire preparedness framework. Through a series of in-person town hall meetings and public comment sessions, the committee will engage directly with local stakeholders—including fire authorities, residents, and experts—in the state’s most vulnerable areas.
Its objectives include:
Researching gaps in Arizona’s current fire prevention system and proposing solutions.
Developing strategies to reduce the nonrenewal of homeowners’ insurance policies, particularly in high-risk regions.
Evaluating existing building codes to ensure they provide robust fire protection without driving up costs for new homebuyers.
Reviewing water supply needs for effective fire suppression and recommending improvements.
Assessing current wildland fire management practices and offering recommendations to enhance prevention and response efforts.
Chairman Marshall introduced two bills—HB2219 and HB2456—aimed at bolstering Arizona’s firefighting capabilities through grant funds from the state’s general budget. These measures allocate funding for wildland firefighting equipment, fire station upgrades, and the development of a statewide incident management platform to streamline emergency coordination.
Arizona’s wildfire risks have grown in recent years, fueled by prolonged droughts and an accumulation of flammable vegetation. Across Arizona and New Mexico, 170 homes were lost to wildfires in 2024.
On Friday, February 14, The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) broke ground in Phoenix for a new agency dispatch center to serve wildland firefighters, agency command staff, state and federal cooperators, and Arizona residents.
The new Arizona Dispatch Center (ADC) will incorporate state of the art technology for wildfire tracking and monitoring to support dispatching of resources and facilitating of suppression activities. The 7,000 square foot center is nearly three times larger than the current facility and will provide for more adequate and updated facilities for state dispatchers and fire support staff.
Funding for the project stemmed from HB 2001 special session legislation after the Telegraph Fire that burned over 180,000 acres and Mescal Fire that burned over 72,000 acres, both near Globe, AZ in 2021. HB 2001 allocated DFFM $100 million for use toward fuels mitigation projects, equipment, post-wildfire flooding mitigation projects and infrastructure repairs and upgrades. The $4.2 million dollar center is expected to be completed in October 2025.
How Homes Ignite in Wildfires and How to Protect Them
Wildfires are an ever-present threat in Arizona, and research has shown that embers and small flames are the leading causes of home ignitions. Embers—burning pieces of airborne wood and vegetation—can travel more than a mile through the air, landing on homes, debris, and flammable materials, creating spot fires and igniting structures. This means that even homes far from the direct path of a wildfire can still be at risk.
Understanding the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ)
Studies, experiments, and post-fire investigations have identified the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) as a critical factor in whether a home survives a wildfire. The HIZ includes everything within 200 feet of a home’s foundation. This area plays a crucial role in determining a home’s vulnerability, as the condition of both the structure and its surroundings significantly influences its likelihood of ignition.
Reducing Risk: How Homeowners Can Prepare
Protecting a home from wildfire isn’t just about firefighting efforts—it’s about preparation. There are several steps homeowners can take to **reduce the risk of embers igniting their homes**:
1. Create Defensible Space– Remove dead vegetation, trim trees, and keep flammable materials away from structures.
2. Maintain a Fire-Resistant Landscape – Use gravel, stone, or other non-flammable ground coverings instead of mulch near structures.
3. Harden the Home’s Exterior – Use fire-resistant materials for roofs, siding, decks, and fences.
4. Clear Gutters and Roofs– Regularly remove leaves and debris that could catch embers.
5. Enclose Vents and Eaves – Use mesh screens to prevent embers from entering attic and crawl spaces.
6. Store Flammable Items Away from Structures – Move firewood, propane tanks, and outdoor furniture away from the home.
Why These Measures Matter
While wildfires are unpredictable, a home’s survival often depends on the steps taken before the fire arrives. Research has shown that homes with proper defensible space, fire-resistant materials, and maintained surroundings have a much higher chance of withstanding ember storms and small surface fires.
Taking these precautions can mean the difference between destruction and survival when wildfires strike. By understanding the Home Ignition Zone and making necessary modifications, homeowners can significantly increase their home’s resilience against wildfires.
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