Montgomery Fire/Rescue is proud to announce that we have retained the highest possible rating awarded to any fire department: a Public Protection Class 1 designation from the Insurance Services Office. This distinction—earned by less than 0.2 percent of communities nationwide—reflects Montgomery’s continued commitment to excellence in fire protection and emergency response.

Montgomery became Alabama’s first city to achieve this elite rating in 2014. Following a comprehensive reevaluation in 2019, Montgomery Fire/Rescue earned an even higher score on the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule, becoming the first department in the state to retain this prestigious Class 1 status.

“The diligence, duty and dedication of the men and women of Montgomery Fire/Rescue are among the qualities that afford our community the protection and peace of mind experienced by few cities in America,” Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed said. “Our firefighters exemplify what it takes to truly protect and serve with excellence and integrity, standing ready to run toward flames and danger whenever and wherever emergencies arise.”

As we move into 2026, Montgomery Fire/Rescue is actively preparing for its next cycle of national reaccreditation, scheduled for 2026/27. This process includes a comprehensive review of operational performance, community risk reduction, strategic planning, and continuous improvement efforts—ensuring that the department remains aligned with the highest standards in the fire service.

ISO ratings serve as the nationwide benchmark for evaluating community fire protection capabilities. Insurance companies across the United States rely on this data to establish fire insurance premiums, meaning that higher ISO ratings help secure lower premiums for both residential and commercial customers.

A major portion of the Public Protection Classification survey evaluates Montgomery Fire/Rescue’s capabilities, including equipment, staffing, training, geographic distribution, community risk reduction, and response times. The survey also assesses the performance of the Department of Emergency Communications and Montgomery Water Works, reviewing telephone systems, dispatch operations, hydrant maintenance, and the overall water supply needed to effectively suppress fires.