The Lumberton area will finally get an updated ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC)Rating in the very near future !!

Currently all areas INSIDE THE CITY are a Class 7, outside the city are a Class 9.

We have been working tirelessly over the years to clean up old files and computer databases with hit and miss reporting about apparatus maintenance, pump testing and hose testing, etc.

Once we got those things that we could control in good shape, we had to wait and let time and our limited funding address other things like new fire stations located in proper areas and new equipment purchases.

Our consultant ran us through the ringer and we are as prepared as ever for the ISO Field Auditor to arrive on Dec. 9 & 10, 2009.  We will present the ISO with all our data and get credit for ALL areas with fire hydrants instead of just the areas inside the city limits.

Areas within 5 miles of a fire station AND within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant will likely be a 5 or a 4. 

All areas further than 5 miles from a station AND more 1000 feet away from a fire hydrant will still have an ISO PPC rating of a 9.

We hope to challenge the ISO Class 9 PPC Rating next year with a "rural water shuttle" demonstration to show the ISO how, using our mutual aid departments and their tanker shuttle capabilities, that we can move enough water and supply our non-hydranted areas with the 250 gallon per minute requirements. 

This would make the entire District a Class 5 or 4 and will save us all some significant annual fire insurance premiums !!

Update - Effective 01/01/2011

The members of Lumberton Fire & EMS were successful in our efforts to lower the ISO PPC Rating for our area.  Effective January 1, 2011 OR as your policy renews - Areas within 5 miles of a station AND with a fire hydrant within 1000 feet of their business or residence will go from a Class 7 to a Class 4, nearly missing a Class 3 by a mere 0.04 points.

Areas further than 5 miles OR further than 1000 feet from a hydrant went from a Class 9 to an 8b. 

In late 2011 or early 2012 we intend to challenge the "Rural Water Credit" where we demonstrate our ability to transport and shuttle large quantities of water to a rural area. 

This should reduce the ENTIRE District to a solid Class 3 or even a Class 2.

We will keep the community advised of our progress and the outcome of our efforts.

Dennis Gifford - Chief