Grifton departments earn improved fire ratings

The Grifton and Grifton rural fire districts improved their fire insurance ratings following inspections by the N.C. Department of Insurance, Pitt County Emergency Management announced Monday.

The districts received the results following recent fire insurance classification surveys from the Ratings and Inspections department of the Office of State Fire Marshal, N.C. Department of Insurance. The rating results are effective as of October 2022.

One fire department serves both districts, said Jay Morris deputy director/fire marshal, Pitt County emergency services.

The Grifton Fire District fire classification improved to a protection class 4 from a class 6. Grifton Rural Fire District rating improved to a Class 4/9E from a class 6/9E applied. Class 9E applies to all properties within the fire district that are outside of 5 miles, but no more than 6 miles.

According to the state fire marshal the purpose of the evaluation was to gather information needed to determine fire insurance classifications, which may be used in the calculations of property insurance premiums. This survey was not conducted for property loss prevention or life safety purposes and no life safety or property loss prevention recommendations were made.

ISO ratings generally fall between 1 and 10, with some sub-ratings. A rating of 1 is the best rating and is based on the availability of personnel, equipment, water and other factors.