Carefree Fire Department

Rural Metro Fire Department

Fire protection service within the town limits of the Town of Carefree is provided under contract by the Rural Metro Fire Department, Inc. There is no longer a subscription fee as of January 1, 2007. The Town is in Protection Class 3 or 9; however, you are rated in Protection Class 3 if your home is located within 5 miles of the fire station and / or 1,000 feet of a hydrant.

Wildfire Caution Notice

Mid-April through September marks the brush fire season here in Arizona. These fires threaten, damage and even destroy the homes and properties of our residents. Wildland fires aren't limited to just remote raw desert areas; they also occur frequently inside town limits.
Brush fires occur frequently on vacant lots near residential areas. Fires can even begin on residential desert landscaping. 
Residential structures in traditionally remote areas have a higher risk of fire during the summer months. At Carefree Fire Department/Rural/Metro we encourage residents to take the necessary steps to protect their homes and communities from these all too often preventable fires.

Defensible Space

Three R's of Defensible Space are:

  • Removal
  • Reduction
  • Replacement

Most of the homes in our town are situated in desert areas with mostly native plants surrounding the property and with no fencing.

We recommend creating a 30-foot area of defensible space. Using the 3 R's (Removal, Reduction, and Replacement) the homeowner creates an area free of dried grass or other highly flammable dry vegetation - around the home.

A properly designed and maintained defensible space provides an area where firefighters can position themselves to protect your home. Also the elimination of potential fuel sources reduces the probability of the house being consumed in a wildfire.

When Fire Threatens

When a wildland fire approaches your home, your family's safety should be your first concern. Have an evacuation plan you can use in case of fire. Have a practice drill, especially if you have young children. Please call 911 immediately.

In cases of a large fire listen to local radio or news stations for the latest developments and follow the recommended actions. Your compliance insures our ability to protect your home and our community.

Remember, brush fires can start anywhere, in forests, on the sides of roads, in alleyways, even in your backyard, but you can do something about it. Protect your home from Urban Wildland fires.

Contact Info

Chief Bret Russell
Fire Chief
37401 N Tom Darlington Road P.O. Box 753 Carefree, AZ 85377
480-734-6940

Non-Emergency & Snake Removal
480-945-6311

Public Education Classes
480-699-8213

Emergencies
911