A couple relocating from North Dakota to Arizona recently discovered that their property, located on Mingus Mountain, lacks fire protection coverage. This alarming realization came when a fire broke out in their shed, prompting a response from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
Incident Details
Deputies from the sheriff’s office arrived equipped with fire extinguishers from their patrol vehicles. They worked to control the fire by shoveling dirt and extinguishing hot spots around the impacted shed. This event occurred earlier this week, marking a significant turning point for the couple.
Awareness of Fire Protection Gaps
Kevin and Sue Hoerner learned that their property is situated outside the boundaries of any city or fire district, a situation often referred to as “no man’s land.” Kevin humorously noted, “We’re aware of that now.”
According to Tiffany Davila from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, there are approximately 13,000 such properties in Yavapai County alone. The Hoerners were unaware of this lack of fire protection when they purchased their property.
Next Steps for the Hoerners
The couple expressed that they either weren’t informed or did not consider asking about fire protection during the property purchase process. Kevin remarked, “I’ll tell you, in North Dakota, there is no such thing.” Feeling responsible for their oversight, they are now exploring possible solutions.
- Annexing into a local fire district
- Pursuing a fire protection agreement with another service provider
Despite the unfortunate fire incident, which resulted in an estimated loss of $30,000 to $50,000, the Hoerners are grateful that the flames did not spread to nearby forests or properties. Their shed fire destroyed propane tanks, lithium batteries for solar power, and a generator, prompting them to establish a GoFundMe page for rebuilding efforts.
In summary, the Hoerners’ experience highlights the importance of understanding fire protection coverage, especially in rural areas of Arizona.
