Public Fire Protection Classification 2 Continues for City of Lake Charles:

Classification 4 Will Continue for Ward 3 Fire District 2

 

On Mon., Mar. 2, 2015, the Lake Charles Fire Department (LCFD) was informed by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) that it had completed its evaluation of the Public Fire Protection Classification for the City of Lake Charles and that Classification 2 rating would continue to apply for residential and commercial properties. Sixteen individually rated commercial properties are not included. The LCFD and the PIAL have worked together since January to evaluate the department’s fire rating.

 

A separate classification rating is assigned to properties located outside the City’s corporate limits, but within the boundaries of Calcasieu Parish Ward 3 Fire District 2. These properties will continue to receive a Classification 4 rating and must be located within seven road miles of a recognized fire station and within 1,000 feet of a standard fire hydrant, if required.

 

As a result, previous fire insurance rates assessed to properties will continue to be eligible for those rates. The new classification will be employed by member companies of the PIAL to cultivate fire insurance premiums.

 

The fire protection classification is a major factor in rates charged to all insurance policy holders. The Public Protection Classification is based on a scale of 1 through 10, with 1 being the best rating and 10 being the lowest.

 

According to the PIAL’s Classification Details, the “Receiving and Handling Fire Alarms” section of the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule reviews the facilities provided for the general public to report fires, and for the operator on duty at the communication center to dispatch fire department companies to the fires; the “Fire Department” section reviews the engine and ladder and/or service companies, equipment carried, response to fires, training and available fire fighters; and the “Water Supply” section reviews the water supply system that is available for fire suppression.

 

Said Mayor Randy Roach:

“The ratings not only provide for lower insurance rates, but also mean a high level of fire protection for the citizens of our community. We are very pleased to have received these ratings, which is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Lake Charles Fire Department and the Water Division and others who worked to maintain this rating.

 

Said Fire Chief Keith Murray:

“Our department has worked very hard to maintain the Classification 2 and 4 ratings respectively, and I am very proud of all of our firefighters for their contributions in our maintaining this classification. We will continue to strive for excellence in all we do to protect and serve the citizens of Lake Charles.”     

 

- 30 -

 

The City of Lake Charles fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities.   For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, see the City of Lake Charles website- www.cityoflakecharles.com  or call the Mayor’s Action Line at (337) 491-1346, or contact the appropriate Department Head, or call the Title VI coordinator at (337) 491-1440.