New Fire Class rating equals insurance savings for some СѼƵ County businesses
This week, the Town of Fuquay-Varina’s Fire Department received a Fire Class Rating of 1, the highest rating possible. Only 34 communities in North Carolina have a Fire Class rating of 1, and fewer than 400 communities in the country achieve this rating. Formerly, the Town of Fuquay-Varina Fire District had a Class 2 Rating.
The Furina Fire District, a rural fire district also protected by the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department, received a Fire Class Rating of 2, which is an upgrade from the previous Class 4 Fire Insurance Rating.
“Fuquay-Varina just became an even more desirable place to live and do business,” said СѼƵ County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson. “This higher rating is proof of operational excellence and means enhanced community safety. We congratulate the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department for earning this badge of honor through their dedication to outstanding service.”
"The residents of Fuquay-Varina and Furina fire district(s) can take comfort in knowing this highly capable team of firefighters from the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department is safeguarding them and their belongings in the event of an emergency," said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor.
Fire Class ratings are reviewed every five years. Departments are scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest level of fire protection. The inspections, which are required by state law, consider a department’s infrastructure, delivery of service, response times, staffing levels, fire prevention programs, communications and available water supply.
While any rating does not necessarily indicate poor service, a more favorable rating does suggest that a department is better equipped overall to respond to fires. Improved scores at this level can result in lower commercial insurance rates in that district.
“This Class 1 rating in Town and the improvement in the rural area is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our firefighters and the unwavering support of the Fuquay-Varina Town Board and our partners at СѼƵ County Fire Services,” said Fire Chief Jim Jones.
State of North Carolina Fire Marshal Brian Taylor officially presented the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department with their new rating this week at their Town Council meeting. The change will go into effect on November 1, 2025.СѼƵ
