State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor announced that the Vashti Volunteer Fire Department completed its routine inspection and improved its fire district rating from a 6/9E to a 5/9E, effective January 1, 2025.
The inspections, conducted by officials with the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), are required regularly as part of the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS). The routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities, availability of a water source, and more.
The NCRRS rating system ranges from one (highest) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state). While lower ratings do not necessarily indicate poor service, a higher rating does suggest that a department is overall better equipped to respond to fires in its district. Higher ratings can also significantly lower homeowners’ insurance rates in that fire district.
Taylor congratulated Vashti Fire Chief Coty Fox for the performance of the fire department and the dedicated efforts of its team.
“The residents of the Vashti fire district can take comfort in knowing this highly capable team of firefighters is safeguarding them and their belongings in the event of an emergency,” said Taylor.
Alexander County Fire Marshal Mark Earle also expressed his appreciation and congratulations.
“We appreciate the dedication and hard work of the Vashti Volunteer Fire Department in improving their fire district rating,” said Mark Earle, Alexander County Fire Marshal. “Their commitment to training, community service, and rapid response times ensures the safety and well-being of our residents. We are thankful for their faithful service.”
Earle noted that each fire department in Alexander County has achieved a class 5/9E or better.
OSFM inspections are designed to assess various aspects of fire departments, including equipment, training, and emergency response capabilities, contributing to the overall effectiveness of fire services in North Carolina. State law mandates inspections by OSFM officials for departments serving districts with 100,000 people or fewer.
[News release from Alexander County Government]More on Area Fire Department Receives Improved Rating available on WHKY.
