Arizona Fire and Medical Authority

In 2017, the North County and South County Fire & Medical Districts merged to form the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. This type of merger is known as a Joint Power Authority (JPA) in Arizona, which allows two or more public authorities to come together and share resources while maintaining control of their budgets and tax rates.^[4] In 2022, it was announced that the Buckeye Valley Fire District would become the third fire district to join AFMA. The merger became official in 2023.

On August 28, 2025, the Town of Guadalupe Council voted to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement with AFMA to provide fire and emergency services to the town, thereby replacing the Guadalupe Fire Department and absorbing their firefighters.^[5] AFMA began providing services to the town on October 11, 2025.

The authority is run by the Authority Governing Board, with seven members. Two members from each district are appointed to the Board, with the last member being chosen by the Board.^{[citation needed]}

The agency has gone through numerous mergers since its inception, and although Arizona Fire and Medical Authority remains the official name, battalions are still commonly referred to by their previous district names (North County, South County, Buckeye Valley, etc.). AFMA was in talks with the Sun City Fire District (SCFD) in regard to a potential merger, with SCFD awaiting a study to determine its feasibility.^[6] Upon receiving the feasibility study, the Sun City Fire District board voted to opt out of any potential merger.^[7]

Approximately 87% of Authority calls are medical. AFMA employs civilian EMTs and paramedics to staff their ambulances.

In 2014, North County became the first fire department in Arizona to receive an ISO Class 1 rating. South County followed suit with their own Class 1 rating in 2019.

The Authority is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).^[8]

AFMA has 14 stations and 3 administration buildings divided among 3 battalions. The main administration building is located in Sun City West. In mid 2025, the department restructured their battalion numbers to better align with their overall mission. Battalion 10 became Battalion 33, Battalion 23 became Battalion 34, and Battalion 32 remained the same.