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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2026 (San Tan Valley, AZ)
A local Fire Department inspector has issued a directive forcing a local assisted living home to evict an elderly resident by January 30, 2026. The inspector cited the resident’s inability to ambulate independently or evacuate without assistance during an emergency as the reason for removal.
This action comes despite the facility documenting that it is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) as a Directed Level of Care home and that the resident’s physician approved them to reside there. The facility also provided proof of required fire and evacuation drills. When questioned why this specific resident was targeted while other homes continue to operate similarly, the inspector allegedly suggested moving the resident to “one of those big places.”
This situation closely resembles previous disputes in the City of Mesa, where local fire departments were accused of prioritizing 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) standards over federal Fair Housing Laws that protect adults with disabilities. The Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association (AALHA), Jackson White Attorneys, and Disability Rights of Arizona (Draz) previously notified Mesa that these enforcement actions were violating residents’ rights and requested that they cease. Critics argue that local Arizona departments, while using the 2018 IFC, often fail to incorporate federal mandates for “reasonable accommodations” designed to prevent the unnecessary institutionalization of seniors.
In contrast, other states such as California, Texas, and Florida have implemented more collaborative communication and clearer state policies, reducing confusion for their local fire departments.
Ligia Ilea, CEO of Intouch Care Management, has strongly condemned the move, stating:
“For years, local fire departments in Arizona have been yelling at these facilities’ staff and refusing to take the residents to the hospital in an emergency; now they are trying to force the assisted living facilities to evict their residents. We won’t allow the Fire Departments to continue to bully our Seniors”
Intouch Care Management will be holding a neighborhood meeting with the local Assisted Living Homes, their Residents and Resident Representatives to discuss this concern and provide education of their rights. For meeting information email admin@intouchseniorservices.com. IntouchCM has also reached out to the Rural Metro Fire Marshal for an immediate meeting.