Ross Valley Receives Upgraded Class 2 ISO Public Protection Classification

Ross Valley Fire Department recently achieved an improved Class 2 Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC)!

What is an ISO Classification?

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) is an independent organization that collects and evaluates information from communities in the United States on their fire suppression capabilities. The data is analyzed using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule and then given a Public Protection Classification (PPC) of 1-10. Class 1 represents an exemplary fire suppression program, where as a Class 10 indicates that the community’s fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria.  ISO evaluates four major areas: fire department effectiveness, emergency communications systems, water supply, and community risk reduction.

In 2001, the pre-consolidated Ross Valley Fire Department received a PPC of 3/9, while the Town of Ross Fire Department received a PPC of 4/9.  The first number represents properties within 5 road miles from a fire station and within a 1,000ft from a fire hydrant.  The second number represents properties that are also within 5 road miles from a fire station, but are more than a 1000ft from a fire hydrant.  In 2012, Ross Valley Fire Department's Board of Directors voted to consolidate fire services with the Town of Ross, incorporating the Ross Fire Department.  In October of 2015 the consolidated Ross Valley Fire Department was re-evaluated by ISO and given an overall Class 2 ISO classification.

What does this classification mean for the Ross Valley community?

In general, the cost of fire insurance in a community with an excellent (class 1 or 2) ISO classification is substantially lower than in a community with lower ISO classifications.  Ross Valley Fire Department's Class 2 ISO classification is a very respectable rating for fire-protection services provided to the community served.

The Ross Valley Fire Department is proud to have received a Class 2 ISO classification and strives to achieve a Class 1 ISO classification by improving in all areas and increasing staffing levels.