When you think about fire protection, you probably imagine your smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, and local fire department. But did you know that in many parts of Arizona , you could be billed a service fee just for having the fire department respond to a call—even if the fire is small or doesn’t cause major damage?

At Riseson Insurance , we help homeowners across Tempe , Phoenix , Scottsdale , Tucson , Gilbert , and Chandler understand what’s in their homeowners insurance policies—including lesser-known coverages like Fire Department Service Charg e.

Fire Department Service Charge Coverage pays for charges imposed by a fire department when they are called to protect your property from a covered loss, such as a fire , smoke incident, or even a suspected fire.

Many rural or unincorporated areas in Arizona—especially outside city fire service boundaries—may have volunteer fire departments that charge a fee to respond. This can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the department and the nature of the emergency.

Your standard homeowners insurance policy may include a limited amount of this coverage (often $500–$1,000), but in some cases, you may need to increase that limit.

Fire risks in Arizona aren’t just about house fires. We face:

Dry heat and wildfires , especially in summer Desert brush fires near residential communities Dust storm-related electrical shorts or appliance sparks Lightning strikes during monsoon storms

Even a small fire scare can result in a fire department visit—and a bill. This is especially common in areas just outside of city limits where service agreements differ.

If you're living or investing in areas like Tucson’s outskirts, rural Chandler, or developing parts of Gilbert, it’s worth checking your policy.

Imagine this: You're away for the weekend, and your neighbor sees smoke near your garage in Scottsdale. They call the fire department as a precaution. Fortunately, it’s just a faulty power strip—but the fire crew still responded. Days later, you receive a $1,200 bill for emergency response.

With Fire Department Service Charge coverage in place, your insurance may reimburse you—saving you from an unexpected financial hit.

While most policies include basic fire service charge coverage, you may want to increase it depending on:

Your location (especially rural or non-city service zones) The local fire department’s fee schedule The frequency of fire-related risks in your area Whether your property is a seasonal home or rental (common in Tempe and Phoenix)

At Riseson Insurance , we’ll review your homeowners policy and let you know if your Fire Department Service Charge limits are sufficient—or if you need to add or increase this important protection.

Don’t let a surprise fire department bill catch you off guard. Let Riseson Insurance help you build a policy that’s strong where it counts—even in the fine print.

Call us today at 602-460-5470 to review your policy and ask about Fire Department Service Charge coverage. We’ll make sure your protection doesn’t stop when the sirens start.

What Is Fire Department Service Charge Coverage?

Why Arizona Homeowners Should Care

Real-World Example

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

Protect Yourself from the Unexpected

• Dry heat and wildfires , especially in summer
• Desert brush fires near residential communities
• Dust storm-related electrical shorts or appliance sparks
• Lightning strikes during monsoon storms

• Your location (especially rural or non-city service zones)
• The local fire department’s fee schedule
• The frequency of fire-related risks in your area
• Whether your property is a seasonal home or rental (common in Tempe and Phoenix)