In a recent meeting of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee held on June 6, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the persistent inadequacies within Arizona's fire safety inspection program. The discussions highlighted a troubling history of failures by the fire marshal's office to establish a comprehensive fire safety program, a shortcoming that has been noted in audits dating back to 1988.

The committee's inquiry was sparked by a presentation that revealed the fire marshal's office has repeatedly failed to implement a written fire safety inspection program, despite recommendations made in multiple audits over the decades. Members expressed frustration over the lack of a cohesive plan to manage fire safety inspections, which are crucial for ensuring the safety of over 17,000 buildings across the state.

One committee member pointed out that the absence of a written plan raises questions about the effectiveness of hiring additional staff without a clear framework for their roles. The audit findings indicated that while the department had made attempts to create steps toward a fire safety program, these efforts were not sustained, leading to a fragmented approach that lacks oversight and accountability.

The committee's discussions underscored the need for a structured and consistent fire safety inspection program, as the current situation poses risks to public safety. The lack of a cohesive plan has resulted in missed opportunities for effective management and oversight, leaving the fire marshal's office unable to fulfill its responsibilities adequately.

As the meeting concluded, the committee emphasized the importance of addressing these longstanding issues to ensure that Arizona's fire safety measures are not only established but also maintained effectively moving forward. The anticipated next steps include further discussions with the department to clarify the reasons behind the ongoing failures and to develop a strategy for implementing a robust fire safety inspection program.