Charlotte Fire Earns Reaccreditation from International Commission
Published on March 10, 2026
Charlotte Fire has once again earned reaccreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), recognizing the department’s continued commitment to excellence, accountability, and service to the community.
The reaccreditation follows a comprehensive review of Charlotte Fire’s operations, planning, training, and service delivery. The process evaluates more than 200 performance criteria across 11 categories that measure how effectively a fire department serves its community and manages its resources.
Charlotte Fire protects approximately 923,000 residents across 328 square miles and responded to more than 125,000 emergencies last year. The department operates 46 firehouses with 46 engine companies, 20 ladder companies, two heavy rescue units, and six aircraft rescue and firefighting units staffed by more than 1,300 personnel.
“This reaccreditation reflects the professionalism and dedication of the men and women of Charlotte Fire,” said Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. “Our members work every day to serve this community with pride, and this recognition confirms the high standards we hold ourselves to in protecting the people who live, work, and visit Charlotte.”
Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson holds the department’s Accredited Agency Award from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International while surrounded by Charlotte Fire members at the CPSE Excellence Conference in Orlando, Florida. Charlotte Fire earned reaccreditation for the sixth consecutive time.
Accreditation through CFAI is a voluntary process that requires fire departments to conduct a detailed self-assessment and demonstrate compliance with nationally recognized best practices for emergency service organizations.
Charlotte Fire is among 334 fire departments worldwide that currently hold CFAI accreditation and has earned this distinction six consecutive times. Nationwide, only about 14 percent of the U.S. population is protected by an accredited fire department, and an even smaller percentage is served by departments that are both internationally accredited and maintain an ISO Class 1 rating.
Charlotte Fire has maintained an ISO Class 1 public protection rating, the highest possible classification issued by the Insurance Services Office, reflecting the department’s capabilities in fire suppression, communications, training, and water supply.
The reaccreditation process also provides an opportunity for departments to identify areas for improvement and strengthen service delivery. Charlotte Fire leaders say the department will continue using the accreditation model as a framework for ongoing evaluation and improvement.
“This process challenges us to look closely at everything we do,” Johnson said. “It ensures we remain focused on continuous improvement and delivering the highest level of service to the Charlotte community."