Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon recently announced that some Washington Parish homeowners in Fire District 6 (Varnado area, north and east of Bogalusa) can expect significant rate reductions in their fire insurance premiums, effective Dec. 12, 2016.

Donelon recognized firefighters and local officials in Fire District 6 for the improvement of their fire protection grading from Class 6 to Class 5.

“Through diligent work and cooperation, increased protection of homes, businesses and families from fires is possible,” he said. “Improved fire protection ratings are a testament to the hard work of fire departments and community leaders and we all reap the benefits in the form of improved safety, peace of mind, and lower premiums for fire insurance due to decreased risk.”

Fire insurance for a home valued at $150,000 was costing residents in Fire District 6 about $1,752 a year. That cost is likely to drop to about $1,670 under the new grading, saving homeowners about $82 in annual premiums, Donelon said.

The amount of the premium rate reduction will vary, depending on the value of the property, the fire district where the property is located and the rate schedule of the company insuring the property.

Fire protection grading is promulgated by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) and approved by the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner. All fire districts are graded on a scale of 1 to 10 by PIAL, with 10 representing no fire protection and 1 being the best.

A variety of factors are considered in determining a district’s grading. Among those factors are the number of dispatchers on duty, the number of firefighters and fire trucks, and the availability of water.