The Asheville Fire Department is once again recognized for its excellence in operations, planning, and service delivery.
Chief Michael Cayse presented the news at the Asheville City Council on May 13.
The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) in April reaccredited the department, which has now been continuously accredited since 2005. CFAI recognized agencies are truly prestigious, as only 324 fire departments out of 30,000 nationwide meet accreditation standards.
Evaluation Criteria Include
- Strategic Plan
- Community Risk Assessment
- Standards of Cover
- Self-Assessment and Site Visits
“ I’m very proud of the Asheville Fire Department,” Chief Michael Cayse told Asheville City Council at the May 13 session, “We are truly one of the very few in the world that are able to get to this level. This international accreditation recognizes all the work and all the effort our crews have done to serve our community.”
Fire Departments awarded this accreditation are described as being community focused, strategic-minded, well organized, data-driven and are properly equipped, staffed, and trained.
Further exemplifying the excellent service provided to our community by our AFD members, the department is one of only 126 fire departments nationwide to receive this accreditation and hold a Class 1 Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating. Asheville maintains a Class 1 rating since March 2023; a classification shared by only the top 1% of all fire departments nationwide. This fire suppression rating means not only is AFD equipped to respond to emergencies, but continues to significantly reduce insurance rates in our City.