Community Risk Reduction

Insurance Services Office (ISO) Rating Class 2

According to NFPA 1300, Standard on Community Risk Assessment and Community Risk Reduction Plan Development, Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is a process to identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce their occurrence and impact. The Alexandria Fire Department's CRR Section consists of the Community Outreach Unit, Fire Protection Systems, and the Fire Marshal's Office, and works to ensure the safety of the community through education, community outreach, code enforcement, and fire & environmental investigations.

The Alexandria Fire Department has an Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire rating of 2. The ISO fire rating reflects how well a fire department can protect your community and home. Insurance companies use this rating to help set home insurance rates, as a home that is less likely to be severely damaged or destroyed by a fire is cheaper to insure. The highest ISO fire rating is a 1.

Fire Prevention Permit Fees (effective as of July 1, 2018)

Community Outreach Unit

The Alexandria Fire Department (AFD)is dedicated to fire prevention and life safety in the City of Alexandria. The department offers a variety of fire safety programs and resources throughout the year. Through the Community Outreach Unit, AFD proudly participates in various community events to inform, educate, and prepare City residents and workers for emergency situations.

Some of AFD's community outreach programs include Read Across Alexandria, smoke alarm installations, and the Community Fire Academy. Visit the Community Outreach Unit webpage for more information about programs and community engagement opportunities.

The Fire Marshal's Office

The Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for three main areas of fire prevention: code enforcement, fire and explosive investigations, and hazardous materials and environmental investigations. The Fire Marshal’s Office enforce the provisions of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code as adopted and amended by the City of Alexandria. Staff routinely inspect existing properties for fire prevention and overall code compliance, as well as provide information to owners and occupants for achieving code compliance. Visit the Fire Marshal's Office webpage for additional information.

Fire Protection Systems Retesting Unit

Fire Protection Systems Retesting Unit is comprised of three fire protection inspector retesting teams that are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards through witnessed acceptance testing and retesting of existing fire protection systems throughout the City of Alexandria. Inspectors also respond to complaints and conduct annual inspections to ensure proper operation and maintenance of these critical life safety systems. The unit deals with various types of fire protection systems including fire sprinklers, fire pumps, standpipes, suppression systems, fire hydrants, alarm and detection systems, smoke control, and access control systems.

To schedule a Fire Protection Systems Inspection, call (703) 746-4256.

Contact Us

For emergencies, call 911.

During Business Hours (M-F, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.), dial (703) 746-5227