FBCESD 7 Obtains ISO 3 Rating

February 23, 2022

Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 7 (FBCESD 7), operating as Fresno Fire and Rescue, has been in the process of a re-rating of their Insurance Services Office (ISO) classification over the last few months. This process reviews aspects of the Fire Department (training, number of employees/volunteers, maintenance and testing of equipment, etc.), emergency dispatch and response times, community risk reduction, as well as aspects of the water supply (water pressure, number of fire hydrants, availability of water supply, etc.) to provide a composite rating for the District.

What is an ISO Fire Rating?

An ISO fire rating is a score provided to fire departments and insurance companies by the Insurance Services Office. The score reflects how prepared a community and area is for fires. While it mainly focuses on the local fire departments and water supply, there are other factors that contribute to an area’s score. Ratings are scored on a scale of 1 (highest) to 10 (lowest).

What was the previous rating?

Previously, Fresno Fire and Rescue had no District Class rating, with only the City of Arcola having a Class 6 rating with city limits, and Class 7 in the unincorporated surrounding areas. Fresno Fire and Rescue has now been awarded a Class 3 in all areas located within 5 miles of a fire station, and a Class 10 in all areas located further than 5 miles from a fire station. This new Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating is District wide.

What is the next step?

This Classification Rating was ratified by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office in a letter to Chief Anthony Bates earlier this month and formalizes the PPC Rating for the District and its residents effective July 1, 2022. To view the letter, please click here.

What does this mean for residents and businesses?

For more information on how an ISO Class 3 Rating affects business, homeowners or renters’ insurance rates, residents and business owners are encouraged to contact their insurance agents.

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