The members of the Riceboro Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department received notification from the Insurance Service Office that the city’s public fire protection classification has been lowered to the new rating of 05/5X from 6/9.

The new rating, which came from the results of a survey conducted March 2 by the ISO, applies to all properties within 5 road miles of the station headquarters and within 1,000 feet of a hydrant. The new classification will go into effect Aug. 1.

Chief Dennis Fitzgerald advises all city residents to contact their insurance company and inform them of this new classification.

Fitzgerald said the lower rating would not have been possible without the support of city officials. He added that cooperation between the city of Riceboro, Liberty County Fire Services, Liberty County Emergency Communications System and the Liberty County Board of Commissioners also made the rating possible.

Most U.S. insurers use the ISO’s Public Protection Classification Program as part of their decision-making when determining what business to write, coverage to offer or process to charge for personal or commercial property insurance, Fitzgerald said.

“The members of the department stepped forth and showed their dedication and devotion to not only the department, but to the city of Riceboro and surrounding unincorporated areas which the department serves,” he said. “Without their exemplary work, this could not have been accomplished.”

The complete ISO report is available at the fire department for anyone who wishes to see it and receive further information. Fire and rescue personnel meet from 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays, or Fitzgerald may be contacted to ricebo rochief@gmail.com or 912-980-5204 to set up a time to review the report.