The volunteer-run Dolores Fire Protection District is helping to protect locals against fire, but also with their insurance rates.
The district received good marks based on operation and equipment reviews from the Insurance Service Office. The fire district recently retained its “3:10 ISO rating” which may help keep homeowner and commercial insurance rates lower, said district public relations officer Gina Kotarski.
“Attaining and maintaining the 3:10 rating places our fire department in the highest rankings nationally for our size of community,” she said.
Dolores Fire recently underwent a Public Protection Classification survey to analyze the structure-fire suppression delivery system, training hours and topics, vehicles, equipment, maintenance schedules and fire hydrant systems.
“We have a very good tanker shuttle, and can move a lot of water really quickly,” said Chief Mike Zion.
The good insurance rating can help insurance rates of residents living within five road miles of Dolores Stations at Colorado Highway 184, County Road 33, Lebanon and the main station in Dolores.
“The rating plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies, and is used to determine what to charge for personal and commercial property insurance,” Kotarski said.
She advises that when residents do their annual homeowners insurance check-up, inform the insurance companies that you live in the Dolores Fire Protection District that has an ISO rating of 3:10.
Dolores Fire has maintained the high rating since the 1990s.
“We earned it again,” said Chief Mike Zion. “It shows how dedicated and well trained our volunteers are. The rating lets the public know that are fire equipment is well maintained and ready at a moment’s notice.”