Miami, Florida – For the first time ever, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has received the top Class 1 Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating from the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). This makes MDFR the only fire department to achieve this highest rating in an area over 1,000 square miles with more than a million people living in it. Getting this Class 1 rating means MDFR uses the latest and best methods for responding to emergencies and lowers the risk of dangers in the community. This top rating also plays a big part in deciding fire insurance costs for homes, businesses, and industries, helping to lower premiums and guarantee excellent emergency services for everyone in the area.
The ISO acts as an advisor and rater for the property and casualty insurance world, helping in policymaking and compliance since 1971. MDFR met ISO’s strict criteria in many areas, including emergency communication systems, water supply, coverage area, resources for putting out fires, training, and fire prevention efforts like education, community outreach, and safety inspections. MDFR is evaluated by ISO every five years, and achieving the Class 1 rating shows its dedication to making improvements across the board.
Fire Chief Ray Jadallah expressed immense pride in leading MDFR to this achievement, emphasizing the department’s dedication to providing the best possible services to Miami-Dade County’s residents and visitors. The achievement of the Class 1 rating reflects the hard work and commitment of the firefighters and staff to the community they serve.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also shared her pride in MDFR’s historic achievement, highlighting the significant benefits of exceptional fire protection services to residents, visitors, and businesses. The Class 1 rating not only promises superior emergency services but also contributes to economic benefits by helping lower insurance costs, making it cheaper to do business in the area. She praised MDFR for its ongoing excellence and efforts to improve public safety.
With intensive training and preparation, MDFR now stands in the top 1% of fire agencies across the United States, joining a select group of less than 500 fire departments out of over 38,000 that have reached a Class 1 rating. Additionally, MDFR is among just 123 fire agencies nationally that have both a Class 1 rating and accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission of Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). This positions MDFR as a strategic, well-equipped, and highly trained organization, earning national recognition and assurance to the public and stakeholders that MDFR aligns with the best practices in fire service, meeting the community’s needs.
