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The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) will become the first fire department in the state of Washington to receive the most exemplary protection class rating from the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) – a Protection Class 1 rating. The new rating goes into effect on July 1, 2022, and validates SFD’s ability to efficiently serve those who live, work and visit Seattle.

With the new rating, the SFD will join approximately 460 other fire districts nationwide with a Class 1 rating, placing Seattle Fire in the top 1% of fire departments in the nation. Evaluated approximately every five years, SFD was previously rated as a Protection Class 2 and made improvements over the past five years to qualify for Protection Class 1. Improvements included a new Training Information Management system, voluntary leadership training for company officers, and more.

Most, but not all, insurance companies insuring property in the state use WSRB protection class and loss cost data as one essential input for setting the fire portion of insurance premiums. Beginning on July 1, 2022, property owners of residential and commercial structures can contact their insurance agent to find out if their property insurance premium will change at renewal. If a property is within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant and within five miles of a Seattle Fire Station, it will be classified under the City of Seattle’s Protection Class 1. Insurance companies use WSRB’s online tools, which allow them to determine the approved rating. While not guaranteed, it’s possible that the new Protection Class rating could lower fire insurance premiums for owners of commercial or residential property.

Speakers and attendees include:
Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle
Councilmember Lisa Herbold, Seattle City Council
Chief Harold Scoggins, Seattle Fire Department
Karl Newman, WSRB