Watch

Fire Department · Combination

Christopher-Kohl's Fire District

Payson, AZ · Gila County

Year-round population of 400-500 residents, swelling to 20,000-30,000 during peak summer season.

Address
930 East Christopher Creek Loop, Payson, AZ, 85541 2893
6Stations
43 sq miArea
500Population

Active openings

No active openings right now

Watch this department to be notified when Christopher-Kohl's Fire District is hiring, or check their careers page.

Department careers page ↗

About Christopher-Kohl's Fire District

Christopher-Kohl's Fire District covers roughly 43 square miles along State Highway 260 at the base of the Mogollon Rim, protecting a year-round population of about 400-500 residents that can swell to 20,000-30,000 during peak summer season as campers, tourists, and seasonal cabin owners fill the area. The district operates out of three stations, with Station 51 on Christopher Creek Loop staffed around the clock and Stations 52 and 53 held fully equipped for surge response.

Crews handle structure fire suppression, wildland/WUI firefighting, brush fire response, and non-transport emergency medical care, working closely with mutual aid partners for ambulance transport and air support. Nearly all district apparatus are dual-rated for structural and wildland use, and career staff cross-train on both fronts, including an NWCG-certified engine boss, so the district can send resources to support wildfire response beyond its own boundaries. The district maintains an ISO rating of 5, supported by strategically placed apparatus, community hydrants, water storage bladders, and ongoing fuels-reduction work in the surrounding forest.

MissionOur mission is to protect the lives, homes and businesses of the people of the greater rim communities.

Leadership & hiring contacts

Rhett Connolly
Fire Chief
Deanna White
Administration

Frequently asked questions

Where is Christopher-Kohl's Fire District located?

The district serves the Christopher Creek and greater Mogollon Rim community along State Highway 260 near Payson, Arizona, from three stations covering about 43 square miles.

Does Christopher-Kohl's Fire District provide EMS transport?

No. The district provides non-transport pre-hospital emergency medical care with a Certified Emergency Paramedic (CEP) and EMT on each shift, and relies on mutual aid ambulance and flight partners for transport.

Does the district fight wildland fires?

Yes. Nearly all district apparatus are rated for both structural and wildland firefighting, and career members are cross-trained to respond to wildland urban interface fires locally and, through mutual aid, nationally.

How can I learn about job or volunteer opportunities with Christopher-Kohl's Fire District?

The district lists career, reserve, and volunteer opportunities on its website; contact the district office at (928) 478-4011 for current openings.