About the Alpine Fire Department:
Alpine Fire Department is a pay per call Fire department located in the southeast section of ApacheCounty. State Highway 180 and 191 mark the area. Alpine is located at an elevation of 8052 ft. Alpine Fire Department is completely surrounded byApache-SitgreavesNational Forest that holds hundreds of backcountry trails and many other attractions that draw the attention of hikers, sportsman, and many outdoor recreational seekers year round.
The Alpine Fire Department was formed in 1994 after years of planning and fundraising. The property was donated by the VanSlyke family and with the contribution of time and materials from many volunteers; the Alpine Fire Station was constructed.
The initial Fire/Rescue equipment consisted of a 1976 State Surplus Pumper, a 1968 Brush Truck and a 1974 Fire Engine. All of the original Fire/Rescue personal protective equipment was obtained from Fire departments from throughout the State ofArizona.
Alpine Fire Department is a special tax Department encompassing 25 square miles and responsible for Fire/EMS protection to its citizens. The Alpine Fire Departments population consists of approximately 750 full time residents and 2500 part time residents. In addition to the community of Alpine, the Alpine Fire Department assists with emergencies that arise outside the community.
Alpine Fire Department provides CPR and First Aid Training, as well as Fire Prevention Programs, Hug-A-Tree, Evacuation Preparedness and Disaster Awareness. Throughout the year Alpine Fire Department meets with various Homeowners Associations to ensure the use of 911 addressing numbers and promote the cleaning of property to reduce the risk of Wildland Urban Interface Fires.
Alpine Fire Department consists of a wide variety of structures. The residential structures are comprised of one, two and three story construction. Commercial property consists of several churches, restaurants, garages, gas station, cabins and lodges, motels, mobile home and RV parks, storage facility, 14200 square foot elementary school, public library and several small utility Departments. Additional government buildings that are in the Alpine Fire Department include United States Forest Service housing, Wildland Firefighting Complex, Ranger Station and US Fish & Wildlife offices. The United States Post Office (Zip Code 85920) is located near the intersection of Highway 180 and 191.
Alpine Fire Department is located in an area that has the potential for extreme Fire conditions. Therefore a quick response has always been credited with deterring catastrophic Fires. However, in 2011 Alpine was directly affected by the Wallow Fire which forced evacuations and went on to be the largest wildfire in Arizona history. Through hard work and dedication the community is slowly recovering from the impact it had on our area.
The nearest Automatic Aid Fire Department is 30 minutes from Alpine. Alpine Fire Department provides non-transport EMS and the nearest ambulance service is 30 minutes from Alpine.
In 1996 nine dedicated members from the community completed the required training to receive their Arizona State Firefighter II Certification and in July 1997, Alpine Fire Department became a certified responding department. Currently, Alpine Fire Department personnel hold certifications that include Certified Structural Firefighters, Wildland Certified Firefighters, Certified EMT’s (BLS/ALS), IV certifications, and CDL certified apparatus operators.
The Alpine Fire Department continues to upgrade its Fire/EMS equipment to provide the best, safest and most reliable response equipment we can. In 1998 a Pierce Structure Engine was purchased on a 10 year loan. In 1999 a Ford F-550 was purchased for a Rescue Vehicle. In 2000 a used 1975 Water Tender was purchased along with new compliant personnel protective gear. In 2004 a KME 3500 gallon water tender was purchased with funds received from the Assistance Fire Grant. And in 2008 the original 1976 State Surplus Pumper and the 1975 Water Tender were replaced with a 2008 Dodge 5500 that has been outfitted with a CAFS and EMS capability, a 2009 Crimson Pumper and a used Freightliner FL-80 4000 gallon water tender to further enhance our Firefighting capability. Since doubling the facilities in 2003, there is now enough room to house all apparatus and provide a fully operational Fire Station.
