Scottsdale, Arizona Fire Department Asked By Neighboring Towns To Expand

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The city's Fire Department has been asked to consider expanding with Carefree, Fountain Hills and Paradise Valley looking at alternatives to Rural/Metro Corp.

Officials from the three towns met with Scottsdale Fire Chief William McDonald in recent months to discuss whether Scottsdale might take over their towns' fire protection services, now provided in various forms by Rural/Metro.

The City Council is expected to discuss the question during a workshop Jan. 4.

Rural/Metro, a private company started in Scottsdale more than 50 years ago, announced in November 2003 that it would pull its would not renew its fire service contract with the city.

Scottsdale's public fire department is scheduled to take over from the company on July 1.

That prompted leaders of the neighboring towns to wonder about their own fire protection.