History of Hellsgate Fire Department

The Hellsgate Fire Department (HFD) was established through the merger of the Diamond Star Fire District and Tonto Village Fire District in February 2008. This union was driven by a shared commitment to improving emergency services for both communities, increasing efficiency, and enhancing public safety.

Today, HFD serves a vast and diverse area spanning approximately 35 square miles in Gila County, Arizona, encompassing one town and 12 unincorporated communities, with a combined population of around 4,617 residents. The communities within our jurisdiction include:

· Town of Star Valley 

· Little Green Valley

· Bear Flats

· Tonto Village

· Thompson Draw I

· Thompson Draw II

· Zane Grey Meadows

· Meads/Collins Ranch

· Ellison Creek Summer Homes

· Diamond Point Summer Homes

· Ellison Creek Estates

· La Cienega Ranch

· Fox Farm

Our Operations & Stations

HFD operates out of three stations, ensuring swift emergency response across the district:

· Station 21 (Headquarters) – Located in Star Valley, this station is staffed 24/7/365 by full-time firefighters.

· Station 22 – Located in Tonto Village, this station is staffed by dedicated reserve firefighters.

· Station 23 – Located in Meads/Collins Ranch, leased by the water company.

Since the merger, staffing levels have fluctuated, but as of 2025, HFD employs eight full-time personnel, supported by reserve firefighters and volunteers.

Emergency Response & Wildland Firefighting

HFD is a multi-faceted emergency response agency. In 2019 alone, we responded to over 500 emergency calls, with the majority being medical in nature. In addition to serving our local communities, HFD plays a vital role in wildfire response, operating under the State of Arizona Cooperative Agreement. Our crews have been deployed across the western United States, assisting in wildland firefighting and mitigation efforts, demonstrating our commitment to protecting not just our own district, but communities nationwide.

Leadership Through the Years

Since its formation, Hellsgate Fire Department has been led by five fire chiefs, each bringing their own expertise and dedication to the department:

· Chief Gary Hatch (2008-2014) – Previously served as Fire Chief for Diamond Star Fire. Retired after 32 years of service.

· Chief John Wisner (2017-2020) – Began his career with Diamond Star Fire in 1993, serving the district for 27 years before retiring.

· Chief Morey Morris (2020-2024) – Brought 32+ years of experience in fire service, training, and as a flight medic. Served with Phoenix Fire Department and Gila River Fire Department before joining HFD. Retired in July 2024.

· Chief Wes Trayner (2025-Present) – Appointed as HFD’s full-time Fire Chief on January 30, 2025, following an extensive hiring process. Chief Trayner has served in the Arizona fire service since 1979, spending the majority of his career with Phoenix Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief before retiring in 2016. Having been a long-time resident of Rim Country, Chief Trayner brings invaluable leadership and expertise to HFD, and we are excited for the future under his guidance.

Commitment to the Community

At Hellsgate Fire Department, our mission is to provide exceptional emergency services, fire prevention, and community education. Whether responding to medical emergencies, structural fires, or wildland incidents, our team is dedicated to protecting lives and property with professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

We remain committed to adapting and growing with the needs of our communities, ensuring that Hellsgate Fire Department continues to be a pillar of safety and service for generations to come.