Lexington Fire Department Earns Nation’s Top Rating
LEXINGTON, NC – The Lexington Fire Department has joined an elite group of fire agencies across the country after achieving an ISO Class 1 Public Protection Classification (PPC®)—the highest rating possible for fire protection services.
The recognition came during the September 22 City Council meeting, when State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor commended the department following a comprehensive review by the North Carolina Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal and the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO).
“This places Lexington in the top 1% of fire departments nationwide,” Taylor said. Out of nearly 30,000 fire departments across the United States, only about 370 hold a Class 1 rating. In North Carolina, just 36 fire departments have earned this distinction.
What the rating means
The ISO rating helps insurance companies determine premiums for homeowners and businesses. Communities are graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with Class 1 being the highest. Lexington’s move from Class 2 to Class 1 could translate into lower insurance costs for residents and business owners—though savings are determined by individual insurance providers.
The evaluation process considered a wide range of factors: staffing levels, training, fire station locations, water supply, hydrant placement, communications systems, and the department’s commitment to fire prevention and community outreach.
Commitment to safety
City officials say the recognition highlights the department’s ongoing efforts to keep citizens safe.
“The Lexington Fire Department continues its commitment to offering the citizens of Lexington the highest quality fire protection services through attaining and maintaining this new rating,” city leaders noted in a statement.
Homeowners and business owners are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to see if their premiums may be affected by the new classification.
The department expressed gratitude to its firefighters, the City of Lexington Water Resources Department, Davidson County Emergency Communications, City Council, and City Administration for their roles in achieving the rating.
“This is a testament to our team’s dedication to public safety and serving Lexington’s citizens and visitors every day,” the department stated.
