Gov. Doug Ducey has stated that a recent revamping of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s (ADFFM) billing process enabled faster reimbursements for local fire departments.

Ducey had challenged state agencies to become more efficient. Since, the ADFFM has completely revamped its reimbursement system for wildfire suppression efforts. It used to take three to four months for reimbursement, which caused financial burdens on some fire departments. Now, reimbursement takes just over three weeks, on average.

“These improvements are another example of how Arizona is encouraging government to work at the speed of business,” Ducey said. “Our firefighters act swiftly and put their lives on the line to protect our communities. Local fire departments and fire districts shouldn’t have to struggle under bureaucratic red tape to get reimbursed for their brave service. Streamlining state agencies has a real effect on real people and should be pursued at every chance, and I applaud the department for these new achievements.”

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management currently works with more than 250 fire departments and fire districts, so the state has access to thousands of firefighters and equipment when necessary.