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.