Reassessment improves Fox Island fire rating

Fire Station 53's recent upgrades on Fox Island have not only improved emergency response times but may also lead to lower homeowner insurance rates. Following the renovations, the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau has re-evaluated the fire protection rating, improving it from a nearly nonexistent level of 9 back to levels 4 or 5, effective March 1, 2025. Fire Chief Dennis Doan highlighted the department's commitment to increasing staffing, which has already led to Fire Station 53 being staffed for 204 days in 2023, a drastic rise from just 15 days the previous year. The ongoing capital improvement program will further enhance fire services over the next seven years, with plans for staffing shifts during construction periods at other stations. Doan expressed excitement about these developments, noting that Fox Island remains a top priority for the department.

Residents with questions about how the re-evaluation affects their insurance premiums are advised to contact their providers directly. The renovations include a decontamination room and additional living space for the crew, crucial for maintaining safety and operational readiness. As the program progresses, the department aims for full-time staffing at Fire Station 53 to ensure better community protection.