ISO Information

Fire Departments and Districts are inspected by Insurance Services Office (ISO) to determine its public protection classification (PPC). The classification plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. In fact, most U.S. insurers use the classification as part of their decision-making when deciding what business to write, coverages to offer or prices to charge for homeowner or commercial property insurance.

Classification ratings are Class 1 through 10, with 1 being the best rated. Class 10 Class 10 is considered “unprotected”, either due to the lack of a fire department covering the property or excessive distance from a fire station.  Douglas County Fire District #5 is rated a Class 6 in those areas within 5 miles of a fire station and for the Town of Mansfield.  Douglas County Fire District #5 has an automatic aid agreement Douglas County Fire District #4 and Chelan County Fire District #7 (Chelan Fire and Rescue) for response into the McNeil Canyon Area. This made all the properties within 5 miles of Any fire station, including neighboring fire districts fire station a Public Protection Class 6. Properties more than 5 miles from any fire station are rated a Class 10.

The district has recognized tanker credit from ISO for all areas within 5 miles of a fire station greater than 1000’ from a standard pressurized fire hydrant. These areas qualify for an ISO rating of class 6.

The classification program is important to communities and fire departments as well. Communities whose classification rating is lower may also get lower insurance rates. The classification also provides fire agencies with a valuable benchmark tool when planning and budgeting. The most significant benefit of the ISO rating is its effect on losses. Data on insurance losses bears out that excellent fire protection means low fire losses.

The ISO inspection and review process includes the following components: Emergency communications system, firefighting capability, water supply systems including the fire district’s water tender system, and community risk reduction programs.

Please see the attached letters from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau, which details our most recent rating evaluations.  These letters can be utilized to provide to your insurance agents/companies for fire protection information.