GROVETOWN, Ga. — Grovetown Fire Rescue has climbed to the highest fire protection grade the Insurance Services Office gives out, a jump that could trim insurance bills for people who live and work in the Columbia County city.
The department moved from a Class 2 to a Class 1 Public Protection Classification, the city announced. Residents will see the upgraded grade starting in February 2027.
Insurers use the ISO score when setting premiums for homes and businesses, and a better grade usually means lower costs. The score weighs more than the fire department itself, since a community’s water supply and infrastructure count too.
City officials credited years of work by Fire Chief Wayne Kent and his crews to put safety upgrades in place. Kent called the new grade a major accomplishment that reflects his firefighters, support from city leaders and steady spending on public safety. Mayor Gary Jones said it shows the commitment of the department and elected officials to strong service while lowering premiums for homeowners.
Fewer than 1 percent of fire departments across the country hold a Class 1 rating, according to the city. Richmond County is the other local department with that grade. Aiken County’s fire department is rated Class 2 and North Augusta’s is rated Class 3.
Grovetown Fire Rescue works out of 306 E Robinson Avenue. The city describes the department’s mission as cutting the loss of life and property from fires, medical emergencies and other disasters through prevention, education, fire suppression, medical care and rescue work.
Fire departments do not have to post their ISO ratings publicly, so homeowners who want to check a grade may need to ask their department or insurer.
Section: More Augusta GA crime news
Filed under: Augusta GA Public Safety News
