Huntsville fire chief, Mayor Tommy Battle

Huntsville Fire Chief Mac McFarlen, left, listens as Mayor Tommy Battle praises the department March 24, 2016 for reaching a rare top ranking in national fire fighting readiness. The department received a "1" rating from the Insurance Services Organization" for its training, equipment, testing and drills. (Lee Roop/lroop@al.com)

If you live or own a business in Huntsville, make sure your insurance company knows this. The city announced today that its Huntsville Fire & Rescue department has earned a top rating from the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) for its ability to stop fire loss.

That rating is 1 out of a possible 10, and less than 1 percent of fire departments nationwide earn it. That's 187 cities out of more than 48,000 rated, Fire Chief Mac McFarlen said.

"I'm extremely proud of Chief McFarlen and his department for working at the highest level to protect our businesses and residents in the event of fire...," Mayor Tommy Battle said."For a city this size, with 214 square miles to cover, it speaks volumes as to the quality of our fire operations."

McFarlen, who became chief three years ago, credited the entire department. "It takes a group effort," he said. "I couldn't be more proud of our staff standing behind me here and the whole fire department."

The ISO rating is based on things including drills, testing, training and the quality of the city's water system. Many insurance companies use the rating to set premiums on fire insurance.

Huntsville Fire & Rescue operates 19 fire stations with 369 certified officers.