Effective April 1, South King Fire & Rescue's fire protection classification in Des Moines will improve from Class 4 to Class 3.

Fire Chief/Administrator Allen D. Church recently said the new classification means that fire insurance rates once available only in a major municipality like Tacoma will be available in Des Moines.

"We are extremely proud to have achieved this milestone for our citizens within the Des Moines community," Church declared.

"Our citizens' ongoing support by maintaining our property tax levy rate through passage of our annual ballot measures (property tax lid lifts) has allowed our incredibly dedicated department members to provide a level of service our community desires and deserves."

The chief added that he is "extremely proud of our fire department members and their ongoing efforts for our community," and that they, in turn, are "incredibly humbled" by the public's support.

Now the department is "extremely pleased to be able to give something back to our community in the form of reduced insurance rates via our Class 3 rating," Church said.

The new lower insurance rating is the result of years of effort by department members, other public agencies such as Highline Water District, which supplies water for fire hydrants, and citizens who are involved with the department's planning efforts.

The new rating followed a regular evaluation by the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau. The last time the department was rated was 1988 when it achieved a Class 4 rating.

The Rating Bureau evaluates fire departments on several factors, including staffing levels, fire prevention programs, record keeping, and water supply. Equipment and training are also considered.

South King Fire & Rescue provides fire protection services to the cities of Des Moines and Federal Way as well as parts of unincorporated King County.

It protects about 150,000 people in an area of about 40 square miles.

In the city of Federal Way, the fire insurance rating is a Class 2, a level only enjoyed by the cities of Bellevue and Seattle.

Church said a goal for South King Fire & Rescue in the next few years is to achieve a Class 2 rating in Des Moines, like it was able to reach for Federal Way in 2005.

Des Moines-area businesses owners protected by South King Fire & Rescue should check with their insurance provider to see if they are eligible for the new lower rates.

Anyone with questions or comments should contact the fire department at 253-839-6234.