CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2026) – Charlotte County Fire & EMS has achieved an improved Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification, moving from a rating of 4/4X to 3/3X. This achievement reflects the department's continued commitment to strengthening fire protection, investing in personnel training and enhancing emergency response capabilities for the Charlotte County community.
ISO evaluates communities nationwide to assess their ability to provide structural fire protection. Ratings range from Class 1 to Class 10, with lower classifications indicating stronger fire protection capabilities. The improved Class 3 rating recognizes the department's ongoing efforts to provide effective fire protection and maintain operational readiness.
"This improvement is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our personnel and our commitment to the community we serve," said Fire Chief and Public Safety Director Matthew McElroy. "From training and professional development to emergency response and fire prevention, we are continuously working to strengthen our capabilities and provide the highest level of service possible."
What the New Rating Means for Residents
The updated classification is based on a property's proximity to a fire station and a recognized water supply:
- Class 3: Generally applies to properties within five road miles of a fire station and within 1,000 feet of a recognized water supply, such as a fire hydrant.
- Class 3X: Generally applies to properties within five road miles of a fire station but more than 1,000 feet from a recognized water supply.
The improved classification may result in lower property insurance premiums for some homeowners and businesses. However, potential savings depend on the insurance provider, individual property and coverage. Residents and business owners are encouraged to contact their insurance agents to determine how the updated classification may affect their policies.
Investing in Training and Operational Readiness
Training and professional development remain central to the department's commitment to community safety. Through recruit development, ongoing firefighter training, officer development and realistic emergency response scenarios, Charlotte County Fire & EMS prepares its personnel to respond effectively and make critical decisions during emergencies.
The department will continue evaluating its performance, incorporating lessons learned from emergency incidents and investing in training opportunities that strengthen coordination, operational effectiveness and firefighter safety.
Achieving a Class 3 rating represents an important milestone, but the department's work does not stop here. Charlotte County Fire & EMS remains committed to strengthening fire prevention efforts, collaborating with public safety and water supply partners, and responsibly managing the resources entrusted to the department.
"Our community places its trust in us every day, and that is a responsibility we take seriously," McElroy said. "We are proud of this accomplishment, but our focus remains on continuous improvement and ensuring our personnel are prepared to protect the lives and property of Charlotte County residents."
For information, contact Ashley Turner at 941-833-5610 or Ashley.Turner@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
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