Orange Beach Fire Rescue among nation’s top one percent

Orange Beach Fire Rescue among nation’s top one percent

Orange Beach Fire Rescue has received the highest rating for a fire department, placing it among the top one percent of all fire departments in the nation, by the Insurance Services Office’s Public Protection Classification program. The rating signifies that the city has a superior fire suppression program at the fire department and is well-prepared to respond to fires. A Class 1 rating generally translates to lower homeowners insurance.
The city also earned a “gold standard” designation in the ambulance industry through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.
Orange Beach Fire Rescue is one of only 14 departments in Alabama and 502 nationwide to hold an ISO Class 1 rating. There are currently 1,415 fire departments statewide and 37,562 nationwide that are rated by ISO. For the CAAS designation, Orange Beach is just the third fire department and sixth transport agency overall in Alabama to earn it.
“Earning an ISO Class 1 rating is a proud moment for our department and a reflection of our ongoing mission to serve and protect our community with excellence,” Orange Beach Fire Chief Jeff Smith said. “This wouldn’t be possible without the strong teamwork between our fire department staff, Baldwin County 911, the Orange Beach Water Authority, and steadfast support from our mayor and city council.
“Most importantly, it’s a win for the people of Orange Beach. We’ll keep working hard every day to uphold the trust the community has placed in us and to live up to our commitment to Protecting Paradise,” he added.
The city earned the CAAS designation just six years after launching medical transport services.
“Being in the top one percent of departments in the U.S. is an incredible achievement. Adding the CAAS accreditation on top of that is phenomenal and proof of the hard work, discipline, and training that is engrained in the department,’’ said O.B. Mayor Tony Kennon. “I’m thankful for each and every one of our firefighters and EMTs, as well as all of our first responders who keep our family-friendly community safe. They are truly our everyday heroes.”