High Point fire chief highlights accreditation, zero 2024 fire fatalities and outreach in annual report

Fire Chief Brian Evans reported to the Prosperity, Livability and Safety Committee that the High Point Fire Department responded to 16,515 incidents in 2024 and recorded about 35,020 unit responses, while maintaining national accreditation and an ISO Class 1 rating.

In his presentation, Fire Chief Brian Evans said the department uses data analytics and 250 performance indicators from the Center for Public Safety Excellence to measure performance and continuous improvement. "If you had to measure success of High Point Fire Department, what metrics would you use?" Evans asked the committee before outlining staffing, operations and community programs.

Why it matters: Evans said the combined national accreditation and ISO Class 1 rating — assessments he said are conducted by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and the Insurance Services Office/Verisk, respectively — helps the city and local businesses by lowering insurance costs and signaling a high level of preparedness. He told the committee the department is one of roughly 120 nationwide with both…