— from Kimberly Kimple for Orcas Fire and Rescue —
The Washington State Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) recently conducted a Protection Class evaluation of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (OIFR) to identify the structural protection and suppression capabilities of the district.
WSRB, which evaluates fire protection in all Washington communities, assigns a score between 1 and 10 (1 indicating exemplary capabilities and 10 indicating insufficient capabilities) using several factors within four general categories:
- Water Supply – evaluates capacity, distribution and maintenance of water systems and fire hydrants. Major tasks include consideration of hydrant condition, size, type, installation, and inspection frequency, as well as calculating required flow for buildings, along with conducting flow tests to measure water pressure and volume.
- Fire Department – evaluates response to alarms, number and distribution of fire stations, apparatus, equipment, personnel and their training.
- Emergency Communications – evaluates the community’s 911 emergency communication system used to dispatch fire response, including their facilities, handling and dispatching fire calls, dispatch personnel levels and training.
- Fire Safety Control – evaluates the fire code enforcement and fire safety education activities in the community.
Upon completion of the evaluation, WSRB issued Orcas Fire with a Protection Class rating of 6, which has been maintained by the district for over 30 years.
WONDERFUL. You who have worked so hard to keep us well and safe, and to maintain our class rating should be very proud. Thank you.
I wonder if this community knows how SIGNIFICANT THIS IS.. it’s not just about the ratings.. which I will say is the best in SanJuan County.. but more importantly.. the commitment this district has invested into our community!!
The intellect of Board of Commisioners, the perseverance of staffing.. and the commitment of ALL THE VOLINTERS is amazing.
Community, that’s what comes to mind.
To hold a 6 rating is a true gift to the Community.
Congratulations to Orcas Fire and Rescure for upholding a strong rating of Excellence for our humble abode. We thank you!!