ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque (N.M.) Fire Department is now designated ISO Class 1.
Out of 49,000 fire departments across the U.S., only 100 have achieved Class 1 status, KRQE reported.
“If you have a fire, the resources we send in terms of staffing, training and response time means your loss will be minimized if you have a fire at all,” said Chief David Downey.
Investment in fire equipment and rescue vehicles, improved testing of fire hydrants and other changes helped boost their rating, Mayor Richard Berry told the Albuquerque Journal.
Berry said the rating means lower insurance premiums with better protection.