City Improves Fire Safety Rating

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 4, 2021

Fire Chief Jim Critchley 541-276-1442

Pendleton, Ore. — The City of Pendleton recently learned that they had achieved an upgrade in the community’s fire safety rating from a Class 4 to a Class 3, from the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). 

Effective September 1, 2021, the City’s improved rating score may help residents obtain lower insurance costs.  Residents and businesses within the city limits, neighboring fire districts, or those parties who contract with the City for fire protection services might qualify.

ISO is the leading supplier of data and analytics for the property/casualty insurance industry. ISO conducts field visits every 3 to 5 years in order to collect information on fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States and then analyzes the relevant data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). The rating is based on four factors – the Fire Departments' ability to receive and respond to fire alarms; review of the fire department’s equipment, personnel and training; the community water supply system; and communications. ISO then assigns a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10.  Class 1 represents superior property fire protection.  Class 10 indicates the property is greater than 5 road miles from a fire station.  Insurance companies use the ISO rating for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

“It’s very exciting that Pendleton was able to reduce our ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule from a four to a three. As improvements are made to the infrastructure in the community and to the fire department, a positive effect may be to lower the business and residential insurance costs.” said Pendleton Fire Chief, Jim Critchley.

Property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance company regarding this new ISO rating, to determine if they might be able to qualify for lower insurance rates as a result of this new rating.