Representative Bliss discussed wildfire threats and related insurance concerns at an Arizona Corporation Commission town hall, according to an April 17 statement. The event focused on the dangers wildfires pose to utilities, communities, and critical infrastructure, as well as measures state leaders can take to improve prevention, preparedness, and response. The meeting also highlighted the need for closer cooperation between the Corporation Commission and the Legislature due to increasing fire risk and challenges in securing insurance coverage in high-risk areas.
“Wildfire risk is hitting Arizona families from every direction,” Representative Bliss said. “It threatens lives, homes, power reliability, and now even people’s ability to keep insurance coverage. When homeowners and business owners start getting priced out or dropped altogether, the state cannot sit back and pretend this is somebody else’s problem.”
Bliss referred to legislation passed in 2025 aimed at strengthening Arizona’s response to wildfires. These laws include requirements for utilities to submit wildfire mitigation plans; removing barriers for the State Forester during prevention efforts; extending tax incentives for forest restoration; creating a fire insurance review task force; and requiring improved reporting on wildfire risk.
She also mentioned budget actions that support readiness for wildfires such as a pay raise for state firefighters by 15 percent and additional funding for contingency planning through the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
“Public safety is one of our House Republican Majority’s core priorities, and wildfire mitigation needs to stay front and center,” Bliss said. She emphasized that residents in areas like Prescott, Sedona, Quad Cities, and Yavapai County require proactive measures instead of waiting until after fires begin.
The discussion included concerns about homeowners’ insurance non-renewals in high-risk zones due to rising premiums or shrinking coverage options—a trend affecting families already exposed to fire danger.
The town hall ended with consensus that more collaboration between regulators and lawmakers is needed on efforts protecting public safety while maintaining affordability.
“Arizona is making progress, but there is more work to do,” Bliss said. “If utilities, regulators, firefighters, insurers, and lawmakers stay focused on prevention… we can lower risk… before the next fire season puts them in danger.” Carbone was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 according to Ballotpedia.
