Fort Bend County Emergency Services District 2 and the Willowfork Fire Department announced on March 8th their recent attainment of an ISO Fire Service Suppression Rating of Class 1 effective June 1, 2024.

This achievement is the result of an evaluation by the Insurance Service Organization (ISO) who reviews four key elements of fire protection existing within the service area. These elements include fire department operations, community water supply, emergency communications system, and community risk reduction programs in effect for the protected area. An ISO Fire Service Suppression Rating is a score rated on a scale ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 being the best possible grade.

“By achieving this class 1 designation, Fort Bend Emergency Service District #2 joins an elite group of fire departments in the nation,” said the press release from the ESD. Most major insurance providers use this grading system as a basis for setting insurance rates in the provider service area which could be a benefit to the taxpayer, by lowering annual homeowner’s insurance premium.

“The process of achieving and maintaining a Class 1 designation is a huge commitment from the Department, the ESD Board of Directors, and the community,” continued the press release. “This achievement personifies the desire of Fort Bend County ESD #2/Willowfork Fire Department to provide the best possible fire and emergency service response to our community as we serve you daily.”

The departments are located at 2700 Spring Green Blvd. in Katy. According to their website, Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 2 (FBCESD 2) was formed in 2002 after dedicated community members saw the need for a fire department to serve the quickly growing Cinco Ranch communities and surrounding areas of Fort Bend County. Voters overwhelmingly approved the formation of the District in a 2002 election. Willowfork Fire Department was founded under the oversight of FBCESD 2 and began providing service on January 1, 2003. The Department was named after the Willow Fork Branch of Buffalo Bayou that runs through the middle of the district.