By Matt Mendes
Tucson News Now
The chief of Eloy Fire District is defending his department’s decision to refrain from responding to a fire call just a few miles away.
The fire happened over the weekend in Picacho – an area where they do not have fire service.
“It’s like everything I had I don’t have anymore,” said Edward Ortiz.
His home is now a pile of ashes. Next door, Bruce Martan also lost everything including the home his deceased father built.
Both say the damage did not have to get this bad.
“If they would’ve responded 3 miles away to send their resources. One truck would’ve put this out in 5 minutes,” said Martan.
Tucson News Now requested the dispatch tapes. The 9-1-1 dispatcher called Eloy Fire — the closest fire department just three and a half miles away.
Eloy Fire to Pinal Co. Sheriff’s Dept.: “Ok, I’ll get someone started out there. You said someone was still inside? Yeah someone is inside.
But, 5 minutes later, Eloy Fire called back.
“That’s going to be out of our area and no one’s going to be able to respond.”
The reason? Picacho is in a rural area where residents don’t pay for fire service.
