03/02/2026
To follow up on Renee Capano Charlestown Town Commissioner post we feel that it is important to share with our citizens this message from our board of directors.
Charlestown Volunteer Fire Company – ISO Rating Information
The Charlestown Volunteer Fire Company currently maintains an ISO Class 3 Public Protection Classification rating. ISO ratings range from 1 to 10, with Class 1 being the highest level of fire protection and Class 10 being the lowest. A Class 3 rating places Charlestown among the higher-rated fire protection classifications, which can play an important role in helping protect property owners through potential insurance savings.
ISO evaluates three primary components: emergency communications, water supply, and fire department operations. The municipal water system and hydrant infrastructure within the Town of Charlestown are an important part of that overall evaluation and contribute to the water supply portion of the ISO score.
The largest portion of the ISO rating, however, is based on the operational readiness of your volunteer fire department. This includes:
• Apparatus and equipment
• Training hours and certifications
• Pre-incident planning
• Record keeping and documentation
• Response capabilities and staffing levels
Maintaining a Class 3 rating requires consistent investment in apparatus, ongoing equipment maintenance, and significant training commitment from our volunteer members.
To become a certified firefighter in Maryland requires a minimum of 135 hours of initial training. This does not include additional certifications and continuing education required as members advance through the department in driver/operator, officer development, and specialized rescue disciplines. Our members dedicate hundreds of hours each year to maintain readiness.
At this time, one of the primary factors that could improve our ISO rating further would be increased guaranteed staffing. As a volunteer organization, that requires a high level of dedication from our current members and support from community members who are willing and able to step forward and serve.
We remain committed to providing professional, well-trained fire protection services to the Town of Charlestown and surrounding communities, and we appreciate the continued cooperation between infrastructure, communications, and operational readiness that helps maintain our current ISO classification.
If any residents are interested in becoming part of the team, we welcome you to contact us to learn more about how you can contribute.