Welcome!

This site is intended to be a useful tool as you gather information about the White Mountain Apache Tribal Fire & Rescue Department and the services we provide. We thank you for visiting, and hope you'll take the time to explore the entire site and learn more about the WMAT Fire & Rescue and our commitment to serving the White Mountain Apache residents and visitors.

Chief's Message

As the chief of the White Mountain Apache Fire & Rescue Department I would like to welcome you to our website. This site is a tool for both our staff and the public. We encourage you to use it to learn about our department and the services we provide.

As our department grows, we continue to promote our core values: pride, honor and integrity. We strive to achieve our mission: to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective fire protection and rescue services for the residents, employees and visitors of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s first volunteer firefighters, is credited for saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. We couldn’t agree more. Our department is proactive in promoting fire and life safety. Read our fire prevention and life safety tips. Check out the “Links”. Take this opportunity to learn how you can prevent fire and promote life safety.

We hope that your visit to our website is worthwhile. It is my sincere pleasure to be a part of the White Mountain Apache Fire & Rescue Department’s service to our customers and communities. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our organization.

Always at your service.

Paul D. Kuehl
Fire Chief

Our Mission

This mission of the WMAT Fire & Rescue Department is to provide a variety of services designed to protect the life, health and property of our families. The mission is supported by our guiding principles and vision, which is centered around a caring, aggressive and adapatable group of trained and supported professionals who see their career not as a job, but as a commitment.

Our Vision

Many fire departments want to be emulated by others as part of their vision. Our vision is far from that. Although we would like to have a great ISO rating, a nice vehicle fleet, more fire stations and the best trained and equipped firefighters, none of this means anything without a dedicated and caring group of professionals. Our vision thus is more emotional then material. We want to cherish, value and care for one another. We want to be proud of who we are, who we work for and what we have. And most of all, we want to treat those who we serve not as customers (i.e. Mrs. Smith), but as our family members.

Our Guiding Principles

It is the responsibility of each of our members to support the mission and vision by subscribing to the following values and ideals.

• We recognize that our families and our government are the reasons for our presence.
• We will continually work to deserve the confidence and trust of our community through our attitude, conduct, and accomplishments.
• The safety of the public is of paramount importance, followed closely by the safety of our members.
• All members of the public are entitled to our best efforts, as such will provide quick, professional and courteous service at all times.
• We will treat members of our community and each other as though they are a family member.
• We will strive for excellence in everything we do.
• Perceptions of a firefighter will not be compromised. Trust, honor, integrity, charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosity, protection, and dexterity will be maintained.
• We will continually seek effectiveness, efficiency, and economy.
• Unity and teamwork are stressed as being to our mutual advantage as individuals and as an organization.
• Members are encouraged to improve themselves as individuals and employees.
• The free exchange of ideas is encouraged.
• We will be sensitive to changing community and societal needs.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit or give us a call.

Firefighters Receive Arizona Vortex Training

On April 28-29, 2012, 3 members of the Tonto Rim Search & Rescue Squad provided training to members of the WMAFR on the Arizona Vortex. Click here to read more.

Hon-Dah Public Safety Complex Open House

In honor of EMS Week, the White Mountain Apache Tribal EMS and Fire Departments will be hosting an open house. Click here to learn more.

McNary Sawdust Fire: More Nuisance than a Hazard

From the eyes at the lookout tower on McKay’s Peak smoke can be seen rising from a smoldering sawdust fire located at the old McNary Sawmill. Click here to read more.

Firefighters Attend Wildland Fire Investigations Training

A couple dozen firefighters from as far as Oklahoma and California attended the 40-hour FI-210 – Wildland Fire Investigation Class sponsored by the BIA-Fort Apache Agency. Click here to read more.

US Air Force Assists in Search for Missing Antler Hunter

It would have been difficult not to have seen or heard the large military HC-130 airplane and Pavehawk helicopters that were flying over the Whiteriver area on the 2nd and 3rd of April. Click here to read more.

Family and Friends Give Thanks

Just before 1:00 AM on February 7 Cindy and Naomi were returning home from the hospital to find their grandmother’s house on fire. Click here to read more.

Food Baskets Delivered to McNary/Hon-Dah Residents

Firefighters deliver food boxes, sponsored by the White Mountain Firefighter's Association, to local residents. Click here to read more.

Deputy Chief Attends HazMat Management Course

Managing a HazMat incident is "No Joke". Through DHS/FEMA funding was one of our deputy chiefs able to attend training to learn about the rules and regulations applicable to incident commanders. Click here to read more.