Ruidoso Fire Department Provides Update on ISO Fire Protection Classification
March 11, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The Ruidoso Fire Department recently released information regarding its latest Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluation and the steps underway to improve the department’s classification.
The ISO conducts nationwide assessments of fire departments, reviewing factors such as staffing, training, equipment, water supply, dispatch systems, and response coverage. These evaluations help communities measure fire protection capabilities and can influence insurance classifications.
On May 24, 2024, the Ruidoso Fire Department underwent its most recent ISO survey. The department received an initial score of 70.08, which placed it below the threshold required to maintain its ISO Class 2 rating.
Under ISO scoring guidelines:
• Class 2: Score between 80.00–89.99
• Class 3: Score between 70.00–79.99
Following notification of the results in September 2024, Fire Chief Cade Hall submitted a retrogression plan to ISO outlining steps the department would take to address areas identified in the evaluation.
ISO approved the plan on December 4, 2024, and the department began implementing improvements while providing regular progress updates throughout 2025.
Despite the department completing the actions identified in the retrogression plan, ISO determined in September 2025 that the Class 2 rating could not be maintained. On December 12, 2025, the department received confirmation that the updated score of 74.42 placed Ruidoso in ISO Class 3.
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Key Areas Identified in the ISO Evaluation
The review identified several areas where points were reduced compared to the department’s previous evaluation in 2016.
Ladder / Service Company Coverage
In the 2016 survey, the department received credit for two ladder companies. In the 2024 review, only one ladder company was in service, resulting in reduced points.
Training Documentation
Although training continues regularly, the review found gaps in documentation and facility-based training records.
Deployment Analysis
Points were reduced based on how apparatus placement, staffing levels, and response coverage affect service to the community's built areas.
Hydrant Inspection and Flow Testing
Hydrant inspections and flow testing had not been fully completed or documented during the evaluation period.
Dispatch System Capacity
The review identified a limited number of points related to dispatch circuits used to alert the fire department.
Community Risk Reduction Documentation
Minor point reductions were related to incomplete documentation of community outreach, fire prevention events, and safety presentations.
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Ongoing Efforts to Improve the Rating
The Ruidoso Fire Department, in coordination with Village departments and Ruidoso Area Dispatch, continues to work toward improvements that will support regaining a Class 2 ISO rating in future evaluations.
Current and planned efforts include:
Water System
• Annual inspections of all hydrants
• Completing required hydrant flow testing cycles
Training
• Maintaining required training hours
• Improving documentation of all training activities
Personnel
• Assigning an officer to each station
• Working toward staffing four personnel per apparatus
Apparatus
• Evaluating the purchase of a second ladder truck for Station 2
• Maintaining required pump testing, hose testing, and equipment standards
Dispatch
• Continuing pursuit of a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system
• Researching the addition of a secondary dispatch circuit
Community Risk Reduction
• Improving documentation of fire prevention programs and public safety outreach
Operational Planning
• Continuing annual pre-plans for commercial properties
• Maintaining and updating Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs)
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Fire department leadership emphasizes that improving ISO scores involves multiple factors—including staffing, equipment, water infrastructure, and dispatch systems—and requires coordinated effort across departments.
The Ruidoso Fire Department will continue working toward improvements and will provide updates to the community as progress continues.
Source Document: Ruidoso Fire Department ISO Retrogression Information (PDF)
