City of Mountain View Fire Department Retains Prestigious ISO Class 1 Rating

The City of Mountain View Fire Department (MVFD) is proud to announce that it has once again achieved the highest possible Public Protection Classification (PPC®) rating—Class 1—from the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). This marks the third time in MVFD’s history that it has earned this prestigious designation. The MVFD remains the only fire department in Santa Clara County to hold a Class 1 rating.

The ISO Class 1 rating is a nationally recognized benchmark of excellence in fire protection services. It reflects MVFD’s commitment to deploying state-of-the-art emergency response practices, maintaining robust infrastructure, and minimizing risk to the community. Importantly, this rating can also help lower fire insurance premiums for residential, commercial, and industrial properties across Mountain View, benefiting residents and local businesses.

ISO evaluates fire departments every five years across critical areas such as emergency communications, water supply, firefighter training, fire suppression capabilities, and prevention initiatives—including community education, inspections, and outreach. The MVFD’s continued Class 1 status affirms its ongoing commitment to excellence in all aspects of public safety.

“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work and unwavering dedication of our firefighters, inspectors, and support staff,” said Fire Chief Juan F. Diaz. “Being among the elite group of fire departments in the nation to achieve a Class 1 rating is an honor. It reflects our mission to provide the highest level of fire prevention and suppression, prehospital EMS/Paramedicine, and environmental protection services to the residents of Mountain View.”

Mayor Ellen Kamei echoed that sentiment: “I am incredibly proud of MVFD for earning this prestigious recognition once again. The Class 1 rating underscores the department’s steadfast dedication to public safety, public service, and its vital role in keeping our community secure. This distinction not only enhances emergency response but also supports economic resilience, which may help in lower insurance costs for our residents and businesses.”

Achieving a Class 1 rating places MVFD among the top 1% of fire departments. Nationwide, fewer than 500 out of more than 38,000 departments hold this distinction. It serves as a powerful indicator of MVFD’s strategic planning, readiness, and alignment with national best practices in the fire service.

This milestone reflects MVFD’s continued pursuit of excellence and its unwavering mission to protect life, property, and the environment through preparedness, prevention, and professional response.