City Fire Department ranks in top 6.5% nationally for fire protection classification

Rancho Mirage is celebrating a significant achievement in fire protection, ranking in the top 6.5% of fire departments nationwide. During the recent City Council meeting, officials highlighted the city's impressive fire protection classification, which is set to improve further with an updated model effective June 1.

The city’s fire department has undergone rigorous evaluation, with approximately 38,000 fire departments studied across the country in 2023. Despite the positive ranking, Fire Chief expressed a desire for an even higher score, indicating that he will work with ISO representatives in July to validate the data and ensure the department receives the maximum point value possible.

Looking ahead, the Chief is optimistic about the potential to achieve a Class 1 fire department status within the next four to six years. Currently, there are fewer than 500 Class 1 departments nationwide, making this goal a notable aspiration for Rancho Mirage.

The Chief credited the city council and city staff for their unwavering support, emphasizing that the collaborative efforts with neighboring cities have been crucial to their success. This achievement not only reflects the department's commitment to excellence but also enhances the safety and security of the Rancho Mirage community.