Earlier today we were notified by the North Carolina Department of Insurance that our Public Protection Classification or "ISO Rating" was lowered from a Class 5/9E to a Class 3/9E throughout the Central Orange and Hillsborough Fire Districts.
The improved rating is a result of a North Carolina Ratings Inspector's findings when the department was evaluated on July 9th. During the inspection, reviews of equipment, facilities, training records, call response data, 911 center capabilities, town water system capabilities and the ability of the fire department to move water to fire scenes were all evaluated.
To receive the greatest benefit, properties need to be within five road miles of a fire station to get the higher (lower number) score. Properties lying between the fifth mile and sixth mile of a fire station receive lower (higher number) score. Properties more than six miles from the closest fire station are considered unprotected.
Insurance companies and underwriters often refer to the Public Protection Classification ratings to determine the amount of risk for an insured property. When the classification improves (lower score), insurance companies typically reduce property insurance premiums for those affected areas.
The rating scale ranges from a Class 1 (highest rating) to Class 9 (lowest rating). Class 10 rating are those areas outside of six miles from a fire station that are considered not protected for insurance purposes.
State wide, there are 1,513 rated fire districts. Of those, only 189 of them have Class 3 ratings. There are only 118 fire districts with a rating of Class 2 or better.

North Carolina State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor stated, "The residents of Central Orange and Hillsborough fire
district(s) can take comfort in knowing this highly capable team of firefighters from the Orange Rural Fire Department No. 1, Inc. is safeguarding them and their belongings in the event of an emergency."

We want to thank all of our members and administration for their hard work and dedication that resulted in savings to our citizens and businesses.