A recent insurance inspection of Hopkinsville’s firefighting resources showed the city is better prepared than most to deal with structure fires. These latest scores also confirm a 2009 audit that concluded local fire, rescue and EMS operations are well-equipped and appropriately staffed.

Last week, Hopkinsville received a class 4 rating in fire suppression from Insurance Services Office (ISO). The rating was part of a report completed by ISO after its inspectors visited in May to review the Hopkinsville Fire Department, Emergency Communications Center and water supply to fire hydrants.

Of the more than 44,000 communities ISO has reviewed for fire suppression, Hopkinsville ranks in the top 20 percent.

ISO awarded the same class 4 rating the last time it assessed Hopkinsville in 2000.

“To maintain the 4 (rating) really was a success,” said HFD chief Fagan Pace Jr.
 
The report saves local homeowners and businesses from a certain premium increase. Most casualty-property providers rely upon ISO ratings to evaluate customers for coverage.

The actuarial company uses a 100-point scale. A class 1 rating is achieved with a score between 90 and100 and represents superior fire protection. Class 10, a score between 0 and 10, indicates that the area’s fire-suppression program doesn’t meet minimum criteria.

Whenever there is a reclassification, insurance companies usually adjust their rates.

In fact, Hopkinsville’s consistent rating bucked a negative trend. According to a recent issue of Insurance Journal, the number of communities seeing their classification change for the worse increased by 20 percent last year.  Most of the reclassifications resulted from cutbacks to firefighting staff, vehicle fleets and training programs.
 
Chief Pace said he is proud of the high marks ISO gave his department in most categories. HFD fully met standards in the distribution of fire companies throughout the city, the availability of firefighters at any given time, pumper capacity and training.

ISO’s report only accounted for structure fire training. Pace pointed out that not only does his staff show competence in this counted service, but also in uncounted services such as hazardous materials removal, advanced life support and auto extrication.

The city’s water supply, which makes up 40 points of the overall score in the ISO report, was another bright spot. While it is HFD’s job to supervise hydrants, Pace credited the Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority for investing in the infrastructure that allows for reliable fireflows to 99 percent of the city.

“If we hook up to a hydrant, we know we’re good,” Pace said.

The Emergency Communications Center, about 10 percent of the overall score, posted solid scores for its receipt of fire calls. This despite being housed in a temporary construction trailer while its permanent facility is being remodeled.

Pace said the department might be able to pick up some extra points if it requests a follow-up inspection from ISO. Hopkinsville’s composite score of 67.83 put it within striking distance of class 3, a level reached by only the top 10 percent of rated-communities.

A follow-up after ECC moves could bump the city’s score enough for an upgrade. But Pace said the city will have to consider a number of factors before doing that.

ISO’s in-depth analysis of Hopkinsville’s fire-related operations is the second in as many years. In 2009, the city hired an independent fire services firm, Kramer & Associates, to conduct a head to toe review of many of the same services.

The overall finding of Kramer’s report was that HFD “performs well in fire, rescue and EMS operations, is reasonably well-equipped and right-sized.” HFD was commended for this achievement because it was done while demand for its services grew and budget constraints tightened.

Pace said he took the 2009 report seriously and implemented some of its recommendations. An upgrade of protective equipment and the creation of a fleet replacement schedule, for example, both arose from Kramer’s suggestions.

Though committed to improvements that make financial sense, Pace feels confident Hopkinsville already enjoys superior fire services.

“Other communities would be glad to have what we have,” Pace said.