Madison fire rating decreases

MADISON — Residents could see a decrease in their property insurance following an improved fire rating for the city earlier this summer.

Madison Fire Chief Derrick Layton said the city’s fire rating recently dropped from Class 5 to Class 4. Layton said the lower rating could lead to lower insurance premiums for property owners, though that is dependent on several factors, of which the fire rating is only one.

City spokesman Matt Smith said a fire rating is like a golf score.

“You want the lower number,” Smith said.

The exact impact it will have on any individual property owner is hard to determine as the fire rating is only one of many factors, officials said.

Other elements include specific construction, occupancy, private protection and exposure to adjacent buildings.

Layton said they received the rating following a recent evaluation. He said factors evaluated included their staff, training practices, water system, equipment and other aspects.

Recent investments including a number new hires at the fire department and a new ladder truck were a factor in the city lowering their rating, Layton said.

MFD has 45 full-time firefighters and two part-time.

The department obtained a new 100-foot E-One aerial ladder truck in February. Layton said the department paid approximately $1 million for the truck. The initial order was placed about two and a half years before the city received the truck. Layton said equipment like the new truck helped improve their showing during their latest evaluation.

The new truck replaced a 75-foot ladder truck the city had used since 1999. The truck, like its predecessor, is housed at Station Three off Mannsdale Road in front of Madison Middle School.

The rating went into effect at the end of August.