FFD earns international accreditation for fourth time
Published on August 26, 2026
Department remains among 127 agencies worldwide with international accreditation and an ISO Class 1 rating
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD) earned international accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International on Aug. 19, marking the fourth time the department has achieved the designation.
FFD first became an internationally accredited agency in 2011. The designation is awarded through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and recognizes fire and emergency service agencies that demonstrate a commitment to accountability, data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
“Earning this designation for a fourth time reflects the commitment our firefighters and professional staff bring to serving Fayetteville every day,” Fire Chief Kevin Dove said. “These achievements give our residents confidence that our team is prepared to respond when emergencies happen while also doing the work behind the scenes to plan, evaluate and improve,” Dove said.
To earn the accreditation, FFD conducted a comprehensive self-assessment, developed a community risk assessment and created a standards of cover document. The department also assembled evidence demonstrating its performance, hosted a peer-assessment visit and appeared before the Commission for its review and final decision.
The evaluation examines the full scope of the department, including governance, strategic planning, community risk assessment, performance measurement and continuous quality improvement. Each accreditation period lasts five years, but the department’s work to assess and improve its operations continues throughout that period.
FFD is also one of 127 internationally accredited agencies worldwide to hold an ISO Class 1 rating. Together, the two distinctions demonstrate that the department operates at the highest levels of professional fire service performance.
The ISO Class 1 rating evaluates operational areas including fire suppression, resource deployment, water supply, training and emergency communications. International accreditation provides a broader review of how the department is governed, how it plans for community risks and how it uses data and performance measures to guide improvements.
FFD operates 17 fire stations with approximately 350 professional firefighters serving residents and visitors throughout the City.
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