Miami Beach, Florida – The Miami Beach Fire Department has once again distinguished itself by earning the prestigious ISO Class 1 rating, a rare achievement that places it among the top 1% of fire departments across the United States. With 37,983 agencies participating nationwide, this recognition underscores the department’s superior fire prevention and suppression capabilities, as determined by the Insurance Services Office based on the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule.
Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak highlighted the department’s exceptional achievement, stating, “Our Miami Beach Fire Department earned a total credit of 105.16 out of the highest possible score of 105.5. This is the highest score ever achieved by our department, and, according to our assessor, the highest score he has seen for any department in Florida.” This remarkable accomplishment not only reflects the department’s dedication to excellence but also positions it as a leading example of fire safety and prevention in the state.
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The ISO’s Fire Suppression Rating Schedule evaluates a community’s fire protection system across several major components, using a numerical grade system that adheres to standards set by leading organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association. Achieving an ISO Class 1 rating signifies that a fire department has met the highest standards of fire protection, suppression, and safety.
Miami Beach Fire Chief Virgil Fernandez expressed his pride in the department’s recognition, stating, “To be accredited and an ISO Class 1 agency is a big honor for our department. This rating is based on an independent review by subject matter experts who evaluated our department against national criteria. I’m very proud of the teamwork that went into this accomplishment.”
The ISO Class 1 rating is not only an honor for the Miami Beach Fire Department but also has practical implications for the community. Insurers across the U.S., including the largest companies, often rely on ISO ratings to make informed decisions regarding underwriting, coverage offerings, and pricing for property insurance. With the new rating set to take effect on June 1, this achievement underscores the Miami Beach Fire Department’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fire safety and prevention.
