The City of Poway Fire Department announced that it achieved a Class 1/1x Public Protection Classification rating, the highest level of recognition available from the Insurance Service Organization (ISO). This top rating places Poway’s fire department among the ranks of only 37 fire departments in California and 348 nationwide to earn this distinction. Only four fire departments in San Diego County have earned Class 1 designations. Poway first achieved a Class 1 Public Protection Classification rating in 2014.
The ISO ratings are designed to evaluate a fire department’s ability to protect local communities. Cities use the data to help measure the effectiveness of their fire-protection services, and insurance companies use it when establishing premiums for fire insurance. A Class 1 rating generally represents superior property fire protection and can lower the price of insurance within a community.
“This designation reaffirms the commitment the City of Poway places on public safety services including community fire protection,” said Poway Fire Chief Jon Canavan. “The men and women of the Poway Fire department are proud to have achieved this classification but recognize that it is the result of dedicated teamwork from many city departments.”
The classification is a dual rating. The 1x indicates an area of fire protection that has no public water supply system. This area is outside the water service boundary area where approved above ground water tanks are allowed in lieu of fire hydrants.