Fire department receives top ISO ranking

The Homewood Fire Department is now among the top departments in the nation, with a Class 1 ISO Public Protection Classification.

Fire Chief John Bresnan announced the new ranking to the public on Sept. 7.

The ISO ranking system classifies fire departments from 1 to 10 based on their ability to provide fire protection. This includes analysis of a department’s emergency communications system, training, equipment maintenance and the number of firefighters responding to a call. The PPC also takes into account the community’s available water supply through fire hydrants and water flow testing.

A department’s ISO ranking can influence insurance rates for homeowners and businesses served by that department, Bresnan said.

He said the Homewood department has been at a Class 2 ranking for many years and was excited to announce the upgraded ranking. When the department was evaluated in January, Bresnan said they were within half a point of the score needed for a Class 1 ranking, and Homewood asked to be reevaluated after some changes that were in process at the department.

The new ranking will go into effect on Dec. 1, and Bresnan said homeowners should contact their insurance agencies at that time to see if the ranking can influence the cost of their coverage.