7 Essential Facts About The City Of Yuma Fire Department (YFD) In 2025: New Chief, Stations, And Mission
The City of Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is undergoing a significant leadership transition and continues to advance its mission of protecting life and property across the 120 square miles of Yuma, Arizona. As of December 19, 2025, the department is operating under new command, focusing on strategic growth, advanced emergency medical services, and deepening its community engagement through vital public safety programs. This article provides a deep dive into the department's structure, its new leadership, and the essential services it provides to the community.
The YFD is not just a fire suppression agency; it is a full-service public safety organization that handles a diverse range of incidents, from structural fires and hazardous material (Hazmat) events to technical rescues and high-volume Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance transport. The department’s strategic placement of its resources is key to maintaining rapid response times across the city.
New Leadership: Fire Chief John Louser’s Profile and Vision for 2025
A major, fresh update for the City of Yuma Fire Department is the appointment of its new leader, Fire Chief John Louser. His selection followed a comprehensive national search and marks a new chapter for the department after the planned retirement of long-serving Chief Dusty Fields in September 2025.
- Full Name: John Louser
- New Role: Fire Chief, City of Yuma Fire Department (YFD)
- Appointment Date: December 15, 2025
- Hometown: Yuma, Arizona (Yuma Native)
- Total Service Experience: Over 25 years in fire service
- YFD Service History: Joined the Yuma Fire Department in 2003, serving over 22 years with the department.
- Career Progression: Louser advanced through the YFD ranks, holding key positions including Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, Training Captain, and Battalion Chief.
- Previous Chief: Dusty Fields (Retired September 5, 2025, after more than three decades of service).
Chief Louser’s vision for the YFD is centered on continued growth and advancing the department’s already robust programs. As a Yuma native who has spent his entire career rising through the local ranks, he brings a deep understanding of the city's unique challenges and needs. His focus includes modernizing fire facilities and ensuring the department remains prepared to handle the increasing demands of a growing community.
The Strategic Backbone: YFD’s 7 Fire Stations and Operational Resources
The operational efficiency of the Yuma Fire Department is built upon a network of strategically located fire stations designed to provide quick response times to any point within its 120-square-mile service area. The department currently operates out of seven permanent stations.
Each day, the department staffs these stations with critical resources to manage simultaneous emergencies. This structured deployment ensures that the City of Yuma receives consistent and professional fire and emergency medical services.
Key Operational Deployment:
- 7 Fire Stations: Strategically positioned throughout the city.
- 8 Fire Companies: The primary units responsible for fire suppression and rescue.
- 6 ALS Ambulances: Advanced Life Support units, critical for providing high-level emergency medical care and transport.
- 1 Battalion Chief: A command officer who oversees daily operations and coordinates responses across the city.
- Service Area: Approximately 120 square miles.
The YFD is a full-service department, meaning it provides more than just basic fire response. Its comprehensive capabilities include: Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Ambulance Transport (ALS), Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response, and Technical Rescue Operations.
Community Safety Initiatives and 2024-2025 Department Highlights
Beyond emergency response, the Yuma Fire Department is deeply involved in proactive community safety and public education. The department’s commitment to prevention is a cornerstone of its mission, protecting citizens before an emergency even occurs.
Key Community Programs and Entities
One of the most vital initiatives is the focus on water safety, a critical concern in the Arizona climate. The YFD actively partners with local organizations to mitigate these risks.
- Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance: The YFD, in partnership with the Yuma Police Department and the United Yuma Firefighters Charity, facilitates free CPR Workshops for the public. This initiative directly addresses a major public health need by increasing the number of citizens trained in life-saving techniques.
- Public Education: YFD runs year-round programs on fire safety, residential smoke alarm checks, and general emergency preparedness.
- Recruitment and Training: The department is committed to maintaining a highly trained workforce, with ongoing recruitment efforts and continuous professional development.
Recent Operational Highlights (2024-2025)
The City of Yuma Fire Department consistently demonstrates its readiness to assist beyond local borders and adapt its operations to the latest standards.
Strike Team Deployment: In 2024, the YFD deployed a Strike Team, showcasing its role in regional mutual aid and its ability to assist with major incidents outside the immediate Yuma area, such as during major wildland fire events or other large-scale emergencies.
Updated Branding: The department introduced a new, updated YFD logo in August 2024, reflecting a modern image while maintaining its core commitment to service.
Financial and Future Planning: The department’s operational health is detailed in its planning documents, including the 2024 Annual Report and the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). These documents outline the department's financial stability, service demands, and future investments in equipment and facilities, ensuring continued high-quality fire protection and EMS for the growing population.
The YFD’s Commitment to Advanced Medical Care
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) form the largest percentage of the Yuma Fire Department’s call volume, making its ALS ambulance service essential to the city’s healthcare system. The department's personnel are highly trained Firefighter/Paramedics capable of delivering critical advanced life support care at the scene of an emergency and during transport to local hospitals.
The integration of fire suppression and EMS under one department ensures a rapid, coordinated response to medical emergencies, which can often be time-critical. The six ALS ambulances staffed daily are a testament to the department’s focus on providing the highest level of pre-hospital care to the citizens and visitors of Yuma.
In summary, the City of Yuma Fire Department, under the new leadership of Chief John Louser, is a modern, full-service agency defined by its seven-station strategic footprint, its comprehensive emergency response capabilities, and its dedication to proactive community safety through programs like the Water Safety Alliance and free CPR workshops. Its recent activities, including Strike Team deployments and the release of the 2024 Annual Report, confirm its status as a forward-thinking and essential public safety entity in Southwest Arizona.
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