Tumwater’s fire protection class rating upgraded

Tumwater’s protection class rating was upgraded from a score of 4 to 3, Fire Chief Brian Hurley told the Tumwater Public Health and Safety Committee on Tuesday, March 12.

The rating, which goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being the highest, was determined by a nonprofit organization called the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau (WSRB). The organization produces insurance data that insurance companies use to assess the fire risk of a property. Hurley noted that most insurance companies use WSRB’s data, but they also consider other factors in determining fire insurance premiums.

Hurley said the new rating applies to all residential and commercial properties that meet two conditions. The first is that the property must be reachable by a fire station in under five miles of road, which Hurley said applies to the entire city. The other condition is that the property must be covered by a fire hydrant and the city’s water supply.

The fire chief said that property owners who do not meet the second condition may inquire about their PC rating free of charge to WSRB.

The new PC rating takes effect on July 1 this year. Before the new rating takes effect, WSRB should have notified insurance companies about the change.

According to the organization's website, WSRB advises property owners to contact their insurance provider to learn how the rating upgrade will affect their properties.

In determining the rating, WSRB evaluated the operations of the community’s fire department, which is the biggest factor making up 40% of the score, the community’s water supply, emergency dispatch system, and fire safety control measures such as fire prevention and risk reduction programs.

A tabulation of Tumwater’s scores in various performance indicators.

The city scored higher in almost all aspects compared to the last time WSRB evaluated the city in 2019. The only criterion in which the city’s grade fell was in water supply.

Hurley attributed the decrease to some fire hydrants not being inspected annually but assured that the city has a “robust and capable” water system.

“ was primarily due to wanting to see every heart fire hydrant in the city inspected every year and flow tests done every five years. And right now, the city just doesn't have the staff to maintain that schedule,” Hurley said.

Hurley added that investments in staffing and equipment and improved public education efforts led to the increase of the city’s score in the other criteria.

The fire chief identified several goals the fire department must meet to get a higher-class rating. Such goals include better training documentation, increased fire inspections, and increased fire hydrant inspections and tests.

According to Hurley, Lacey also has a rating of 3, while Olympia has a rating of 2. Seattle is the only city in the state with a rating of 1.

With a rating of 3, Hurley said that Tumwater belongs to the top 14% of rated fire departments in the state.