From a city of Asheville news release:

ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL REACCREDITATION
The Asheville Fire Department initially became the first department in Western North Carolina to receive international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) back in 2005. The Asheville Fire Department is one of 138 fire/rescue agencies in the world to achieve the accredited agency status.
Every 5 years a peer assessment team sets forth in a rigorous self-assessment and on-site evaluation of our department in order to determine if they should recommend us for reaccreditation. The CFAI self assessment process has been under development for more than 20 years and has involved hundreds of fire service professionals.
“The accreditation standards are challenging and ensure taxpayers that their fire department is providing responsible, accountable services,” explains Fire Chief Burnette. “It’s comparable to receiving service from an accredited hospital or attending an accredited college. Asheville citizens can be very proud of the department’s commitment to service and demonstrated performance.”
The goal of accreditation is to provide continuous quality improvement and to enhance service delivery to communities. Accredited departments are required to renew accreditation every five years and as of March 9, 2010 the Asheville Fire Department was approved as an accredited agency for another five years by the Commission on Fire Accreditation.
For further information regarding accreditation please contact Fire Chief Scott Burnette at 828-259-5640.