Training works to improve fire protection score

  • The Fannin County Fire Department’s burn building, constructed of used shipping containers, offers firefighters real world experience at battling a fire. Various scenarios can be created inside the building for students to overcome.
    The Fannin County Fire Department’s burn building, constructed of used shipping containers, offers firefighters real world experience at battling a fire. Various scenarios can be created inside the building for students to overcome.
  • Fannin County firefighters Jim Edelstein and Brett Craine enter the burn building as they prepare to battle a fire that has just been lit inside.
    Fannin County firefighters Jim Edelstein and Brett Craine enter the burn building as they prepare to battle a fire that has just been lit inside.
  • Training hours play a big part in an ISO rating. Here, two Fannin County firefighters work to maneuver a hose into the department’s burn building as part of a real life scenario. Smoke can be seen rising from inside the building.
    Training hours play a big part in an ISO rating. Here, two Fannin County firefighters work to maneuver a hose into the department’s burn building as part of a real life scenario. Smoke can be seen rising from inside the building.
  • Fannin County Fire Department Training Chief Michael Cornelius, second from left, briefs a group of firefighters as they prepare for training in the department’s burn building, which is located behind Station #1 in Blue Ridge. Shown with Cornelius are, from left, Jim Edelstein, Brett Craine, Mike Miller, Hunter Patterson and Courtney Craine. The training took place last Saturday evening, July 27.
    Fannin County Fire Department Training Chief Michael Cornelius, second from left, briefs a group of firefighters as they prepare for training in the department’s burn building, which is located behind Station #1 in Blue Ridge. Shown with Cornelius are, from left, Jim Edelstein, Brett Craine, Mike Miller, Hunter Patterson and Courtney Craine. The training took place last Saturday evening, July 27.
  • Channing Johnstone instructs Hailey Galloway on operating a fire engine’s pumps and what to watch for on pressure gauges as part of Saturday’s training exercise.
    Channing Johnstone instructs Hailey Galloway on operating a fire engine’s pumps and what to watch for on pressure gauges as part of Saturday’s training exercise.

    The latest Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluation of Fannin County’s fire protection system maintained the current 5/5X rating, but when he thought about all the hard work to improve that rating, Michael Cornelius said, “I honestly believe we’re a 4/4X.”

    Cornelius made his comment as he and Fire Chief Larry Thomas reviewed the latest ISO score last week. The tally sheet showed the department 1.83 points away from its 4/4X goal, despite having improved by 7.64 points over the previous year’s evaluation.

    The ISO issued a 5/5X Public Protection Class (PPC) rating for Fannin County in a July 22, 2024, letter to Thomas.

    The ISO evaluation showed Fannin County earned 58.17 points, up from 50.53 points last year. But 60 points was needed for a 4/4X.

    Cornelius and Thomas talked about several of the improvements made in the last year in a conscious effort to reach a 4/4X rating.

    Chief Mathew Kerry led the effort to get all the 1,023 fire hydrants in the county inspected and the data recorded – 171 pages  worth.

    The ISO rating apparently relied on previous pressure tests for some fire hydrants, but Cornelius pointed to all the upgrades and repairs being made to the three water systems in the county – Blue Ridge, McCaysville and Fannin County –  that would affect pressure. “Of course, that could go either way,” he said.

    Since the last inspection, the county has also added a new burn building at Station 1 in Blue Ridge.

    Thomas and Cornelius agreed another big difference comes in “Officer Certified/CEU” where all the individuals in that category have accumulated considerable hours.

    Cornelius is quick to credit every member of the department with “doing extra training” as they worked to achieve a lower fire protection rating. The amount has increased every year for the last four to five years, he said.

    “The response we’re getting (from the members) is great. Everybody is getting together and doing the job,” Cornelius said.

    The ISO evaluation numbers prove that statement. The last ISO audit, that produced the current 5/5X rating, gave Fannin County 50.53 points. Of the 58.17 points just received, Cornelius said, “That’s a huge jump, we’ve done a great job of getting there.”

    Thomas credited improvements with the 911 dispatch center as also playing a big part in that improvement.

    But lowering the ISO rating is not focused on the department and its men and women.

    Cornelius and Thomas are quick to talk about the amount of money that would be returned to Fannin County citizens through lower homeowners insurance premiums. Cornelius said the three local insurance companies he has contacted estimated the drop from 5/5X to 4/4X would reduce premiums by 10%.

    Thomas said Fannin County is not any worse off than it was in regards to the 5/5X rating.

    The fire chief was working with ISO officials at the end of last week to get a full explanation on the rating to help Fannin County continue its efforts toward 4/4X next year.