SOLEDAD — Soledad Fire Department has improved its national fire protection rating, earning a Class 2 designation that places it among approximately 7% of fire departments evaluated nationwide, the City of Soledad announced.
The rating, which took effect in September, improves on the department’s previous Class 3 classification and recognizes the city’s fire protection capabilities, water infrastructure and emergency response resources.
“This is a huge accomplishment for a city and fire department our size,” said Jason Luckenbach, assistant chief of the Soledad Fire Department. “The capabilities of our fire department have been a top priority, and to achieve recognition on this scale is quite an honor. This demonstrates the dedication and commitment of city staff and reflects the priority we have placed on public safety and critical water infrastructure.”
The Insurance Services Office’s Public Protection Classification program evaluates communities approximately every three to five years, examining fire department capabilities, water supplies, emergency communications and community risk reduction efforts.
Of more than 37,000 fire departments evaluated nationwide, approximately 2,170 have achieved a Class 2 rating, according to the city. The designation is particularly notable for Soledad, which operates a single fire station. Class 1 and Class 2 ratings often reflect larger communities with multiple stations and extensive infrastructure.
For a single-station department, the city said, achieving the rating “reflects the strength of its training, equipment readiness and maintenance, emergency dispatch capabilities, mutual and automatic aid partnerships, and the reliability of the community’s water system.”
The improved classification follows continued investments in fire protection, including funding through Measure Y. The city said the funding supports partial fire department staffing, fire apparatus maintenance and essential equipment needed to protect residents and respond to emergencies.
The city also recognized state Sen. Anna Caballero for helping secure a $2 million grant opportunity to acquire a fire department ladder truck. The investment “has significantly expanded the department’s operational capabilities and contributed to the city’s overall fire protection resources,” the city said.
The rating also reflects coordination among the fire department, water department, emergency communications personnel and community risk reduction efforts, supported by city investments in emergency services.
The Insurance Services Office evaluates communities using established criteria informed by nationally recognized fire protection and water system standards, including those developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association.
A community’s classification is one factor insurers may consider when evaluating property insurance coverage and premiums. The city said an improved rating can positively influence insurance availability and rates for homeowners and businesses, though individual outcomes vary by insurer, property and other underwriting factors.
“The City of Soledad and the Soledad Fire Department remain committed to continuous improvement, responsible investment and providing the highest possible level of fire protection and emergency services to the residents and businesses they serve,” the city said.
