Top-Tier Fire Protection, Right Here in Hartsville

What is an ISO Public Protection Classification (Class 4)

The ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC) is a national rating system used to measure how well a community is protected from fires.

It’s created by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), which evaluates fire departments across the country and assigns a score from Class 1 to Class 10:

• Class 1 = Best (superior fire protection)
• Class 10 = Does not meet minimum standards 

What Does Class 4 Rating Mean?

A Class 4 rating means the Hartsville Fire Department is considered to have strong, above-average fire protection capabilities.

Specifically, it reflects solid performance in areas like:

• Firefighter staffing and training
• Equipment and apparatus
• Emergency communications (dispatch/911)
• Water supply (hydrants, flow, reliability)
• Fire prevention and community risk reduction efforts

On the scoring scale, a Class 4 typically falls in the 60–69% range of total possible points, meaning the department is performing well across most evaluated areas. 

Why It Matters to the Community

This rating isn’t just internal; it directly impacts residents and businesses in Hartsville:

• Lower homeowners and business insurance premiums
• Indicates a well-trained, well-equipped department
• Shows strong emergency response and preparedness
• Help guide future improvements and funding

Insurance companies use this rating to help determine fire risks so a better rating can mean real savings for the community. 

A Community Effort Worth Celebrating

This achievement reflects more than just the work of the fire department, it represents a community-wide commitment to safety, preparedness, and progress.

From the dedication of our firefighters to the support of city leadership and residents, this rating is something Hartsville can take pride in. It shows that our community values safety, invests in its future, and works together to protect what matters most.