Santee Fire Department Earns Top ISO Rating

SANTEE, CA — The Santee Fire Department has achieved a Class 1 Public Protection Classification rating — the highest level of recognition available — from the Insurance Services Office, the city announced this week.

Only 38 fire departments in California and 393 fire departments across the country have received the top rating, according to the city. The new rating went into effect March 1.

The Insurance Services Office evaluates municipal fire-protection capabilities in communities in the U.S. ISO analyzes fire protection capabilities and assigns a Public Protection Classification rating to fire departments using a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the best rating.

The top rating was earned through a collaborative effort between the Santee Fire Department, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Heartland Communications Facility Authority, local leaders, business owners and residents, according to the city.

To determine a community's Public Protection Classification, ISO conducts a field survey. ISO staff visit the community to observe and evaluate features of the fire protection systems. Using a
manual known as the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), ISO looks at emergency communications systems, the fire department, water supply and community risk reduction.