Murrieta Fire & Rescue has announced it has achieved a significant milestone, earning a Class 2 rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a distinction that places the department among the top seven percent of fire agencies in the United States.
The rating is a nationally recognized measure of a fire department’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies. The evaluation considers several factors, including staffing, training, equipment, 911 dispatch, and water supply.
Out of more than 41,000 fire departments across the country, only about 2,400 have earned a Class 2 rating, making the achievement a notable accomplishment for Murrieta Fire & Rescue.
The rating can also have financial benefits for residents and businesses. Insurance companies often use ISO ratings when determining property insurance premiums, and higher-rated departments may help property owners qualify for lower insurance rates, although savings vary depending on the insurance provider.
While the department’s new rating places it among the nation’s best, officials explained that achieving the highest possible ISO designation, Class 1, remains a future goal.
One of the primary factors preventing a Class 1 rating is staffing. ISO awards full staffing credit only to departments that staff each engine with four firefighters. Murrieta Fire & Rescue currently staffs its engines with three firefighters, a model officials say remains safe and effective due to the department’s extensive training programs and strong communication systems. Despite that limitation, the department received high marks in multiple evaluation categories.
