Jacksonville awarded improved fire rating

Daily News (Jacksonville, NC)

June 03-- Jun. 3--The City of Jacksonville scored a higher fire rating that could provide lower fire insurance costs for homeowners, according to a press release from the city.

The city received a rating of 2, up from their previous rating of 3 from the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal. A higher rating indicates "a department is overall better equipped to respond to fires in its district," the release said. The highest rating a department can receive is a 1 with the lowest being 10. Most rural departments fall into the 9S category.

N.C. Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey congratulated Jacksonville Fire Chief Jerry Hardison for the department's performance as well as the hard work of department members.

"The citizens in the Town of these districts should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency," Causey is quoted as saying in the release.

Hardison in turn gave credit for the higher score to the mayor, Jacksonville City Council, and city administration for supporting efforts and causes to generate the improved rating, according to the press release.

The rating came about through a routine inspection required and conducted by Causey's office, who conducts the inspection, called the N.C. Response Rating System. According to the press release, the inspection evaluates proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities, and availability of a water source, among other criteria.