Jacksonville Fire Department achieves best rating possible

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Jacksonville has become the second Eastern Carolina city to get the highest possible fire insurance rating.

The city announced today that the State Fire Marshal is rating the fire department with the new level one rating, compared to its current rating of two.

Last month, Greenville’s fire department also achieved a rating of one.

The North Carolina Response Rating System determines fire department ratings on a scale of one to ten, with one being the highest.

The rating looks at staffing, equipment, maintenance, communications, and water source availability.

A higher rating can also lower property insurance premiums for businesses and homeowners in Jacksonville.

The change takes effect July 1st.