Illinois Valley News

Good protection for structural fires is provided by Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD), but more stations, equipment and personnel are recommended.

So states Chicago-based ISO (Insurance Services Office Inc.) in a report to IVFD Chief Harry Rich and city of Cave Junction Mayor Tony Paulson.

The good news is that the city again received a Class 5 rating from ISO, IVFD directors were told by Fire Marshal Jerry Schaeffer. It’s the same rating held previously, with indications that fire insurance rates could be affected positively.

Schaeffer said that he had hoped for a Class 3 rating for the city, but that “overall it’s not a bad rating.” ISO is the leading supplier of statistical, underwriting and actuarial information for the property/casualty industry.

The rating is based on IVFD’s ability to pump 3,500 gallons of water per minute.

Most insurers use ISO’s Public Protection Classification survey data “for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties,” the company said.

Schaeffer said that areas outside Cave Junction city limits, but within 5 miles of a fire station, received a Class 7 rating, which is an improvement for some.

The fire marshal told district directors that ISO recommendations, based on the 140-square-mile area covered by IVFD, include:

*There should be two stations in the city of Cave Junction instead of one.

*Overall, the district should have 15 stations.

*The district should have an aerial ladder truck.

*More locations, not including swimming pools, are needed that have 30,000 gallons of water available.

*There should be a fully equipped reserve pumper stationed in city limits.

*More personnel are needed districtwide.

*More items, including foam and nozzles, should be acquired.

*Additional pre-fire training for firefighters should be scheduled.

In receiving the ISO recommendations, directors took no action. Indications are that the chief, who was vacationing and absent from the meeting, would review the report, and that his recommendations could be forthcoming.

In another matter, district directors approved 4-0 annexation of four properties. Director Dusty Fields was absent from the meeting.

The annexations were recommended for acceptance by Schaeffer based on the cooperation of owners for access and other criteria. The properties are on Dick George Road, Hays Cut-Off, Deer Creek Road, and Westside Road.

In other matters, the board of directors:

*Were told by Deputy Chief Jeff Gavlik that IVFD was part of a task force assembled to help Medford Fire Dept. with a recent Poplar Square fire that destroyed five businesses.

*Heard from Gavlik that IVFD staff and volunteers as of approximately mid-June had responded to 42 alarms, the majority of them medical calls.

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