News

Valley Hill Fire & Rescue achieves high rating for service

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 24, 2023

Valley Hill Fire & Rescue has received a Class 2 rating, signifying a high level of quality, equipment and preparedness in firefighting, N.C. Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey announced.

A regular inspection by the state fire marshal is required as part of the North Carolina Response Rating System. Among other things, the routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of a water source.
The NCRRS rating system ranges from 1 (highest) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state). Most rural departments fall into the 9S category. While lower ratings do not necessarily indicate poor service, a higher rating does indicate that a department is overall better equipped to respond to fires in its district. Higher ratings can also significantly lower homeowners' insurance rates.
"I'd like to congratulate Chief Garren for the department's performance and for the hard work of all the department members," Causey said. "The citizens of these districts should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency."
State law requires OSFM officials to inspect departments serving districts of 100,000 people or less, which makes up all but 12 of the state's fire districts.