Arlington Fire & Rescue lowers ISO ratings

Chief Kevin Macemore, Arlington Fire & Rescue, announced the 2024 Certificate of Fire District Rating for the two districts covered by the department during the Jonesville Town Council meeting on May 13. Fire District Ratings are given based on inspections by officials from the North Carolina Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal. Inspections are required as part of the North Carolina Response Ratings System. Officials assessed the department’s staffing levels, equipment, communications capabilities, and water source availability. Services provided by Jonesville’s Water Department along with Yadkin County’s Communications and Fire Marshal Office are included in the grading system.

Macemore thanked members of Arlington Fire & Rescue and congratulated each one on a job well done. Along with training, maintaining equipment, and answering incident calls volunteer members work year-round to meet the requirements for this inspection. One event included laying one mile of hose. Together members laid one mile of hose, providing 1200 gallons per minute along Little Mountain Road in a seven-minute time frame.

“There were around 1,513 fire departments in North Carolina as of 2022, I pulled this information from OSFM. There were 189 fire departments that were class 3. We were a class 5 here in Town but this past inspection we received a class 3. The rural district was a class 5 and has now received a rating of class 4”, said Macemore.

Mayor Anita Darnell thanked the department for their service to the citizens and businesses of Jonesville and surrounding communities.

“The dedication of a mainly volunteer department, was visible tonight. I am thankful for their commitment to serve others. We are blessed to have the department serve our town,” she said.

Effective June 1, 2024 the class 3 rating will go into effect. Citizens and business owners are encouraged to contact insurance carriers for any insurance rate adjustments.

The mission of Arlington Fire & Rescue is to protect and safeguard our community by providing safety information on how to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Anyone looking to be a part of a likeminded team, willing to train and show up for their community please contact the Chief at 336-835-6184 or stop by the department at 321 S. Main Street, Jonesville for an application. “There is a place for everyone at the fire house.”