The Missoula Rural Fire District (MRFD) became a Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accredited agency in March of 2026. This process required several years’ commitment to the development of a Strategic Plan, Self-assessment of all internal programs, and completion of our Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover.

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Commission on Fire Accreditation reviews overall organization effectiveness and efficiency by comparing departments against national standards and best practices.

MRFD is committed to the process of continual process improvement. MRFD follows the CPSE recommendations. CPSE provides guidance on accreditation for fire agencies and credentialing for individuals.

Some of the benefits of being an accredited agency are:

• Provides greater community alignment.
• Encourages quality improvement.
• Facilitates input and builds positive relationships with labor.
• Identifies areas of strengths and weaknesses.
• Allows for the establishment of a plan for improvement.
• Provides for greater data-driven decision-making.
• Communicates management and leadership philosophies.
• Ensures your agency has a defined mission and related objectives.
• Encourages the development of organizational procedural documents.

 

MRFD is honored to be one of only two fire agencies in the state of Montana to become accredited and the only fire district in Montana to be accredited.