Two weeks after Pima County Supervisors asked staffers to fast-track a wildfire mitigation plan, Tucson officials are exploring options of their own to keep residents safe from a growing threat.

The devastating wildfires that tore through California have sparked urgent discussions about the county’s and city’s own wildfire risks, with more homes becoming classified as high-risk and insurance premiums rising.

Concerns over fire prevention and preparedness have taken center stage and include updating outdated fireworks policies, analyzing the city’s water infrastructure and emergency response, and exploring every possible measure to keep Tucson safe.

During last week’s city council meeting, Tucson’s water director and fire chief talked about the significance of the city’s fire protection infrastructure and emergency response system, dating back to the 1880s.

Tucson Water Director John Kmiec said the utility company was initially created as a fire suppression system before eventually evolving into a drinking water provider.

"Fire protection was always the priority," Kmiec said, detailing how the city’s water infrastructure is designed to meet stringent fire safety standards.

Every new development in the city undergoes a comprehensive fire protection analysis to ensure it has sufficient water supply for firefighting efforts, with standards requiring up to 3,000 gallons per minute for commercial structures.

Tucson Water also maintains an extensive fire hydrant program, with nearly 23,000 hydrants receiving annual inspections and repairs. Kmiec said Tucson Water has 300 million gallons in storage capacity, distributed across numerous reservoirs and tanks, ensuring a reliable supply for emergency fire response.

Tucson Fire Chief Chuck Ryan expanded on the fire department’s role in suppression and emergency response, saying the department was established as a volunteer service and has since grown to 21 stations and 645 paid employees who respond to nearly 106,000 service calls annually.

"Anyone who doubts Tucson’s population growth and service demand isn’t paying attention to the numbers," Ryan said.

While 85% of calls are medical, the department has also strengthened its wildfire response capabilities due to the increasing urban fire risk.

Ryan described Tucson’s small but committed wildland fire team, which consists of structural firefighters cross-trained in wildland firefighting. The department collaborates with state and federal agencies to provide wildfire response within Arizona and beyond.

Ryan also pointed to the importance of homeowners taking preventive measures, such as creating defensible space around their properties by trimming vegetation, clearing combustible materials, and maintaining a buffer zone around structures to reduce fire hazards.

Mayor Regina Romero tied the issue to climate change, saying rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions have exacerbated wildfire risks. She discussed her national advocacy efforts, which included leading a coalition of mayors in petitioning the Federal Emergency Management Agency to classify wildfires and extreme heat as natural disasters.

"We need FEMA to acknowledge these disasters so we can secure the resources necessary to protect our communities," Romero said, expressing concerns that potential federal policy shifts in the new administration could impact emergency response funding.

Councilwoman Nikki Lee touched on the personal nature of the growing wildfire threat, saying that her own home, along with thousands of others in Ward 4 and across the city, is now classified as a high-risk wildfire area.

As a result, insurance premiums have risen significantly, marking a stark shift from the previous year, when these areas were not considered at such high risk.

"We didn’t move to a wildfire area; the wildfire area moved to us," she stressed.

She acknowledged that drought conditions and other environmental factors contribute to the escalating risk. She also expressed concerns over fireworks, citing frequent complaints about their use throughout the city, including during holidays and even the Super Bowl.

She urged city officials to take a stronger response to fire hazards, including fireworks and warming fires, and announced an initiative to enroll her neighborhood in the Firewise USA certification program, which educates residents on fire prevention.

Ward 3 Councilman Kevin Dahl echoed concerns about fireworks, highlighting their disruptive impact on pets, veterans, and community members sensitive to loud noises.

"We have to do something to stop fireworks,” he said. “I would like to see us no longer do fireworks as a city."

Dahl is advocating for the adoption of alternative displays, such as laser shows or drone performances. He called for state-level action to restrict fireworks, emphasizing that they pose an unnecessary fire risk while causing distress to many residents.

Given past wildfires like the Sawmill, Mulberry, and Burrow fires in 2017, the Big Horn Fire in 2020, and the Chimney and Gap fires in 2023, Romero and others say it's critical for the city to take decisive action before the situation escalates further.

They’ll revisit the issue at an upcoming meeting.

Angelina Maynes is a University of Arizona alum and reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at angelinamaynes@arizona.edu.

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