Contributed Article/Courtesy House of Representatives
PHOENIX – Chairman David Marshall today announced that the Arizona House Fire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee will hold its first meeting on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in House Hearing Room 1 at the Arizona State Capitol, located at 1700 West Washington Street in Phoenix.
The meeting is open to the public and livestreamed here: https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?clientID=6361162879&eventID=2025051001.
The new ad hoc committee is charged with examining Arizona’s wildfire risks, the strength of the state’s fire response system, and the growing challenges homeowners face in securing affordable fire insurance. It brings together state lawmakers, fire and forestry experts, insurance industry representatives, and local government officials to directly address these pressing issues. Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro created the committee earlier this session to advance House Republicans’ Majority Plan priority of protecting Arizona communities through stronger public safety policies.
“We’ve all seen the devastation unfold in California—entire neighborhoods turned to ash, families left with nothing. That kind of destruction doesn’t stop at state lines,” said Chairman Marshall. “Arizona has to be prepared, and that means listening to the people on the front lines and taking action before it’s too late. This committee is committed to doing the work needed to better protect lives, homes, and property across this state.”
During this Friday’s agenda, the committee will hear presentations by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service, and the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona.
The committee, chaired by Representative Marshall (R-7), includes Representatives Walt Blackman (R-7), John Gillette (R-30), Gail Griffin (R-19), Quang Nguyen (R-1), Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-21), and Myron Tsosie (D-6), along with appointed experts from the firefighting, forestry, insurance, and local government sectors. The committee will publish its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2025.
David Marshall is a Republican Arizona House of Representatives member serving Legislative District 7, which includes Pinal, Gila, Coconino, and Navajo Counties. He also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement. Follow him on X at @DaveMarshallAZ.
