The Scottsdale Fire Department closed out 2025 with significant accomplishments that strengthened wildfire mitigation, emergency response, training and community safety, reinforcing Scottsdale’s reputation as a leader in fire service innovation and preparedness.

A major focus in 2025 was wildfire risk reduction. Through mechanical, chemical, and community-based mitigation efforts, SFD completed fuel treatments across 64 acres and more than 22 miles of roadway and preserve lands, including key right-of-way corridors in north Scottsdale and the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. These projects reduce hazardous fuels along roadways and open space, improving firefighter access and lowering the risk of intense wildland fires near homes and infrastructure.

Fuel mitigation efforts were supported in part by $176,500 in Healthy Forest Initiative grant funding from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Chemical treatments were also completed along 25 miles of roadway and at 11 structures and trailheads, while critical infrastructure protection projects addressed two trailhead areas.

Scottsdale also continued to lead nationally in the Firewise program. By the end of 2025, 24 communities representing approximately 5,600 homes and 4,710 acres were Firewise certified, with additional communities pending or actively working toward certification. North Scottsdale remains a high-risk area for wildland fire, as identified by regional and state wildfire planning tools, making community-based mitigation a key priority.

“Scottsdale’s proactive approach to fire safety saves lives, protects property and demonstrates what’s possible when a city invests in prevention and preparedness,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “From wildfire mitigation to emergency medical services, these accomplishments reflect our commitment to public safety and to being a national model.”

Beyond wildfire preparedness, 2025 marked several milestones for the department:

• Regional training center opens: In January, SFD dedicated its newly expanded and modernized training facility at the City of Scottsdale Public Safety Training Facility. The $33 million project, funded through multiple bond initiatives, now supports fire and police training for Scottsdale and regional agencies. Two recruit classes graduated from the center in its first year of operation.
• 40th anniversary of the sprinkler ordinance: Scottsdale celebrated 40 years since becoming the first city in the nation to require fire sprinklers in all new single-family homes. The ordinance, adopted in 1985, remains a cornerstone of the city’s fire safety success.
• Metro fire department designation: On July 1, SFD marked its 20th anniversary while also becoming a member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, placing Scottsdale among the nation’s largest and most influential fire departments shaping policy and best practices.
• New Fire Station 612 opens: Fire Station 612 began operations in September at Hayden Road and Mayo Boulevard, enhancing emergency response in the city’s northern sectors. The $13.7 million station houses an engine company, battalion chief unit, and specialized wildland and support vehicles.
• Expansion of municipal ambulance service: Three new rescue units – Rescue 601, 605, and 614 – were placed into service in November as part of Phase II of Scottsdale’s ground ambulance program, increasing 24/7 transport capacity and improving EMS response times.

Scottsdale Fire also continued surveying more than 42,000 properties facing urban-wildland interface risks, providing residents with assessments, education, and individualized guidance to reduce hazards around their homes.

“These achievements show how prevention, training, and response all work together,” said Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “We’re proud of the progress made in 2025, and we remain focused on protecting our community today and into the future.”

For more information about Scottsdale Fire Department programs and initiatives, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Fire.”