Fire Protection Coverage Explained for Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority Area Residents

Fires and medical emergencies can be devastating, regardless of where they occur. The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) understands the importance of ensuring residents know what level of fire and emergency medical protection is available to them and what options may exist if their property is outside established service boundaries.

CAFMA is comprised of two Arizona special taxing districts, Central Yavapai and Chino Valley, that operate independently of city and county governments. The Authority provides fire and medical services within portions of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt, as well as unincorporated areas of Yavapai County. A property’s proximity to a CAFMA fire station does not determine whether it is located within a CAFMA fire district.

Emergency Response Outside CAFMA’s Jurisdiction

CAFMA’s response to fire and medical emergencies immediately outside its jurisdiction is limited to areas protected by contract or by agencies with a current automatic or mutual aid agreements with CAFMA. CAFMA resources may also respond to automotive accidents within a five (5) mile area beyond its geographical boundaries.

How to Determine If Your Property Is Covered

Property owners can verify whether their property is within a fire district by using the Yavapai County Interactive Map Tool. After selecting the ‘Search’ tab and entering an address, users can navigate to the ‘Special Districts’ tab. Properties covered by CAFMA will be identified as either part of the Chino Valley Fire District or the Central Yavapai Fire District.

Options for Properties Outside CAFMA Boundaries

Property owners whose properties fall outside CAFMA’s boundaries may be eligible for one of the following options:

• Annexation: Permanently incorporates the property into the district. Due to statutory requirements, not all properties qualify for annexation.
• Fire Protection Agreement (FPA): A renewable annual contract that allows CAFMA to provide fire and medical services as if the property already existed within district boundaries. The annual cost of an FPA is equal to what the property would pay if it were taxable within the applicable fire district (Central Yavapai or Chino Valley), plus a $50.00 administrative fee, calculated as: Assessed Value (ALV) ÷ 100 × Current Tax Rate + $50.00 Administrative Fee.

Property owners seeking additional information about annexation, FPAs, or assistance verifying district coverage are encouraged to contact the CAFMA Administration Office at 928-772-7711.

ABOUT THE CENTRAL ARIZONA FIRE AND MEDICAL AUTHORITY

The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) provides emergency services, all- hazards response, and community safety education across 369 square miles of Yavapai County, Arizona, including the towns of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, parts of Paulden, and surrounding areas of Prescott. Headquartered in Prescott Valley, CAFMA is dedicated to protecting life and property through prevention and response while fostering strong partnerships with the communities it serves. Learn more at cazfire.gov.