Annexation Questions and Answers

As stated in recent media, the West Marshall Fire Department is seeking to annex the Pioneer Fire Association areas located west of the City of Benton.  Who does this affect?

If you live outside of the city limits on any of the following roads:

• Symsonia Highway
• Jackson School Road
• Oak Level Highway
• Breezeel School Road
• Castleberry Lane
• New Harmony Road
• Cas-Cal Drive
• Briley Way
• Oak Shadow Drive
• Carriage Lane
• Pleasant Valley Road
• Houser Road
• Cole Lane
• Slickback Road
• Harvey Road
• Gibson Lane

There may be other roads that connect to these, so if you have a question as to whether you are in our annexation area, ask us.  

Why do you wish to annex?

We wish to annex because we have the ability to provide a service that can potentially save citizens money.  This is not about one fire department being any better, worse or different than another.  West Marshall has an advantage that we have the vehicles and operational guidelines that we can give a rural rating that can benefit the citizens in this area.  We also feel that the funds that citizens in this area contribute to fire protection should go back into this area in the form of buildings, vehicles and personnel.

Our mission as a public service entity is to first respond to emergencies and provide the best service we can for life protection and property conservation.  Our goal is to do this at a minimum of expense to a taxpayer.  

What about insurance?  Will my rates go down?

Manifestly this answer is yes.  There are specific circumstances in which you may not see a significant drop.  For example, if you have poor credit and have a lengthy claim history, you will still see some reduction, but not as much as someone with a good credit score and small claim history.  Someone with State Farm will see no benefit, as State Farm does not recognize ISO. We're not in the business of selling or advertising insurance, but as you've seen previously ISO ratings cause significant drops in premiums, so we would recommend to shop around for the best coverage at the best price. 

Why can't I just stay where I am and receive this lower rating?  I live within 2 miles of West Marshall.

Because ISO gives this rating to the PRIMARY responding agency.  In order for you to receive this rating and discounts, you must be annexed into WMFD.

Don't we have to pay a tax with you guys?

Yes, West Marshall IS a fire taxing district.  We hate the word "tax" as much as anyone, but let me give you examples of how you will save money by paying a tax:

Example 1:  A 100,000 dollar house with Class 9 rating.

Your annual policy is $1495.78 (actual quote with local company)

Let's assume you pay $60.00 to Pioneer every year.

That totals $1555.78

Now, the same house, 100,000 with a Class 5 rating.

Your annual policy would be $958.59 (actual quote).

If your house is PVA assessed at 100,000 dollars, you would pay $75.00 per year to WMFD.  However, you would save overall $522.19 per year even after paying taxes.  

Example 2:  A 200,000 house with Class 9 - $2547.04

Same house, Class 5 - $1323.06 and $150.00/yr in taxes.  Now you save $1073.98 even if you don't pay Pioneer dues.  

So you can see the savings.  

We're going to be speaking with many of you, so if you have any questions, feel free to call or email us.  A good contact number is (270) 703-0819.  

ISO Class 5

The fire-protection services of West Marshall Fire Department's entire service area, as evaluated and rated by Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), has improved from Class 9 to 5. In March 2014, the department underwent an intensive and comprehensive ISO survey to collect and evaluate the fire protection capabilities of the West Marshall Fire District.  Originally, the department was notified of a Class 9 to a Class 7 increase effective January 1, 2015.  However, errors in calculations resulted in a corrected and further improved rating of a Class 5 effective March 1, 2015.
ISO ratings are based on a grading scale that evaluates fire response, firefighter training, fire apparatus, fire equipment, water supply, and many other factors.  After the evaluation is complete a rating between 1 and 10 is issued to the department; a Class 1 being the best possible rating and a Class 10 being fire protection in excess of 5 miles from a fire station.

We tremendously proud of the level of fire protection and efficiency provided by our fire department, water systems, and our 911 center.  The West Marshall Fire Department, as demonstrated by this rating, has made significant strides improving fire protection in our response area.  The financial impact of this new rating is substantial to our residents. Homeowners, depending upon their insurance carrier can see rate reductions as great as 50 to 70 percent.  The hard work put forth by our fire department has resulted in this improved rating that positively affects everyone, especially those living on fixed incomes.

"I am tremendously proud of the level of fire protection and efficiency provided by our fire department, water systems, and our 911 center. The West Marshall Fire Department, as demonstrated by this rating, has made significant strides improving fire protection in our response area. The financial impact of this new rating is substantial to our residents.”

Andrus said according to his research, homeowners, depending upon their insurance carrier can see rate reductions as great as 50 to 70 percent. “The hard work put forth by our fire department has resulted in this improved rating that positively affects everyone, especially those living on fixed incomes."

The department plans on direct mail notifications to our residents in the immediate future. The Fire Board plans to petition the county clerk for annexation of the Pioneer Fire protection area west of Benton, which currently provides ISO class 9 coverage.

"This area, according to various local insurance agents, receives some of the highest homeowner premiums in Marshall County" said Andrus.  Annexation of this area would include these residents in the Class 5 area, and would allow for the insurance savings. For example, a house with a 160 thousand dollar policy currently has an annual insurance premium of over $2000 dollars.  With annexation, this policy could potentially reduce to $952 dollars annually.  Of course any individual insurance company’s savings will vary, everyone should check and see what savings they could possibly receive.   Additionally with a new facility in this annexed area, fire and rescue services will be in closer proximity for a faster response.

Two Car MVA on Brewers Highway

WMFD units responded to a two car collision on Brewers Highway at the Wilkins Road intersection.  One car left the roadway and the other vehicle remained in the roadway.  No serious injuries reported.
Responding:  Rescue 81, Brush 82

 

Tobacco Barn Fire on York Cemetery Road

WMFD units responded to a barn fire on York Cemetery Road.  First units on scene advised a fully engulfed structure with other nearby stocked barns with livestock.  WMFD units extinguished fire in approximately 1 hour.  Hardin-South Marshall Units assisted in the response.

Units responding:  Engine 80, Engine 82, Tanker 81,Tanker 83, Tanker 84

Structure Fire on Phelps Road

WMFD units responded to a structure fire at approximately 8:30 AM.  First units on scene reported a fully involved mobile home.  West Marshall units extinguished the blaze, but the home was a total loss.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.  West Marshall was assisted by the Benton Fire Dept and the Lakeland Red Cross.
Units Responding:  Engine 80, Engine 81, Engine 82, Tanker 81, Tanker 83, Tanker 84, Rescue 81

Brush Fire on Olive Creek Road

WMFD units responded to a brush fire to assist Hardin-South Marshall Fire Department and Aurora-Ross on Olive Creek Road in the Jonathan Creek area today.  High winds and lower humidity again created difficult fire conditions and the fire spread from a field into a wooded area.  All departments worked together and contained the fire in approximately 30 minutes, with approximately 4 acres burned.
Units responding:  Brush 82, Ranger 1

Brush Fire on Justin Lane (Little Bear Highway)

WMFD units responded for mutual assistance to East Marshall and Palma-Briensburg Fire Departments to Justin Lane in the Little Bear area in regards to a brush fire.  Difficult terrain combined with low humidity and moderate winds necessitated the need for an ATV/UTV type attack on the fire.  Units were able to contain fire within 1 hour and approximately 5 acres burned.
Units responding:  Brush 82, Ranger 1

 

Brush Fires on Saturday March 15

WMFD responded to two brush fires on Saturday.  Dry conditions and moderate winds made extinguishing the fires somewhat difficult.  Both of these fires burned approximately 2-3 acres.  As a reminder, even if the temperature is lower, and it has rained recently, after a couple of dry days fires can spread quickly over brush and grass.  Additionally, the KY Forestry mandated burn ban is in effect from 6AM-6PM for fires within 150 feet of a wooded area.
Units responding:  Engine 80, Engine 82, Brush 81, Brush 82, Ranger 1, Honda 1

Structure Fire on Soldier Creek Road

This evening WMFD responded to Soldier Creek Road for a structure fire.  First units on scene reported heavy smoke from all eaves and first apparatus on scene reported heavy fire envolvement.  Units performed interior and exterior attacks to extinguish the blaze.  The house suffered heavy fire and smoke damage.  WMFD was assisted by Hardin-South Marshall FD, Clear Springs FD, Marshall County Rescue Squad, and Lakeland Red Cross.
Units Responding:  Engine 80, Engine 82, Tanker 82, Tanker 83, Rescue 81

Multiple Brush Fires Throughout our District (and Beyond)

Today WMFD units responded to a total of four calls for service, all of them brush fires.  High winds and low humidity, combined with people burning on our only decent temperature day in several weeks created a recipe for near disasters for some households.

The first response was on Mayfield Highway at approximately 11:20 AM, units responded to a brush fire that burned approximately three acres and caused minor to moderate damage to the house and other items.  WMFD units contained fire in approximately 30 minutes and fire was completely extinguished in approximately 1 hour.
Units responding:  Brush 82, Brush 81, Engine 80, Engine 81, Honda 1, Ranger 1

The second call was received while on the scene of the Mayfield Highway call and was located on Oak Level/Elva Road.  This fire consumed approximately 3 acres and was contained in approximately 20 minutes and extinguished in approximately 45 minutes.
Units responding:  Brush 82, Brush 81, Engine 80, Engine 81, Engine 82, Honda 1

The third call was as WMFD was clearing the scene of the second response.  WMFD units responded to Darnell Road to assist Possum-Trot/Sharpe FD in another brush fire.  Fire was contained in approximately 30 minutes.
Units responding:  Brush 81, Engine 80, Honda 1


The fourth call was on Mayfield Highway near Jackson School Road.  WMFD units were returning to the fire station and observed an out of control field fire.  Especially high winds made this fire the most aggressive response of the day with several nearby houses in danger.  WMFD units contained the fire within 15 minutes and extinguished in approximately 30 minutes.  This call was in Pioneer Fire District and Benton responded as well.
 Units responding:  Engine 80, Brush 81, Brush 82, Honda 1

Brush Fire on Wadesboro Road North

 WMFD Units responded to a Brush Fire on Wadesboro Road near Weatherwood Road in the Oak Level area on Sunday.  Units found approximately 1/2 acre burning endangering a small building.  Quick work by firefighters prevented serious damage to the building.

Units responding: Engine 82, Brush 81, Brush 82