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Peeples Valley Fire District History

Early Beginnings

In 1993, Peeples Valley was served by the Southern Yavapai Fire Department located in Wilhoit, Arizona. At that time, there was no fire station in Peeples Valley. Fire trucks were parked on the street, and during the winter months, the water tankers had to be emptied to prevent the water from freezing.

In 1994, Fire Chief Bob Brandon suggested that Peeples Valley become its own department. After discussions and planning between the communities, the separation agreement was signed on April 4, 1996, creating two distinct and separate fire service entities.

Building the First Station

Soon after the separation, a grant opportunity became available through the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors for Community Projects. With strong support from both the community and the county, the department was awarded funding to build a fire station.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the new fire station and community center took place on August 22, 1998. The Board of Supervisors contributed $60,000 toward the project, and local residents demonstrated extraordinary community spirit by contributing more than 7,000 volunteer man-hours to complete construction of the building.

Becoming a Fire District

Community volunteers, including firefighters and board members, canvassed the Peeples Valley area to collect the required signatures needed to establish a fire district. With the support of more than 51% of area residents, the Peeples Valley Fire Department officially became the Peeples Valley Fire District in August 2000.

Growth and the Public Safety Facility

As the community has grown, so has the need for expanded emergency services and modern facilities to support them. In response, the Peeples Valley Fire District, in partnership with Yavapai County, is developing the Weaver Mountains Regional Public Safety Facility on a 10-acre parcel generously donated by Maughan Ranches in Peeples Valley, Arizona.

The region served by the district includes several rural communities with a strong ranching heritage, local elementary schools, numerous small businesses, and active mining operations. The new facility is being planned to support the safety needs of this broader area while strengthening regional emergency response capabilities.

The facility will serve as a central operational hub for the region. In addition to housing a fire station, personnel, and emergency vehicles, it will provide dedicated space for partner agencies, including the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai County Health Services, and Yavapai County Public Works. The center will also support local initiatives, such as the Weaver Mountains Community Outreach and Emergency Response Team (COERT), the Fire Auxiliary, and the Firewise Communities programs.

Beyond emergency services, the facility is designed as a vital community hub. It will offer expanded space for public meetings and serve as an emergency evacuation and coordination center during disasters—services currently limited or unavailable in the Weaver Mountains communities.

Serving the Community Today

What began as a small volunteer effort with fire trucks parked on the street has grown into a vital public safety organization. Through the dedication of volunteers, board members, and strong community support, the Peeples Valley Fire District continues to provide essential emergency services to the community.

Today, the fire station and the planned Weaver Mountains Regional Public Safety Facility stand as lasting reminders of the vision, volunteerism, and cooperation that built the district and continue to support its mission.