Following routine inspection by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Sanford Fire Department’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire protection rating has been improved to Class 2 from Class 3.
ISO ratings reflect how prepared a fire department is to protect the structures in its community. Insurance companies use the score to help set home insurance rates, as a home that is less likely to be severely damaged or destroyed by fire is cheaper to insure.
Inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, emergency communications capabilities, and availability of a water source.
Sanford’s increased rating is the result of investment and support by City leadership, says Fire Chief Matt Arnold. “We have opened a new fire station, begun staffing a ladder truck daily, and added additional firefighters,” he points out.
Arnold also credits the department’s commitment to improvement for the upgraded score. “Our continued training efforts, dedication to rapid emergency response, and proactive fire inspection practices earned this ISO 2 rating,” he says.
“The residents of Sanford fire district(s) can take comfort in knowing this highly capable team of firefighters from the Sanford Fire Department is safeguarding them and their belongings in the event of an emergency,” stated State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor in a commendation letter announcing the rating.
“This rating puts us in the top 8% of rated departments in the State of North Carolina,” Arnold notes. “I am extremely proud of the hard work and commitment by our team.”
The new rating takes effect on June 1, 2025.