DALLAS, Ore. — The SW Polk Fire District announced today that its Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating will improve effective Sept. 1, 2026, moving from a Class 5/10 to a Class 4/10 designation.
District officials said the improved rating reflects years of investment in firefighter staffing, training, operational readiness, emergency response capabilities, and station operations made possible through the district’s voter-approved 2022 levy.
The ISO rating is widely used by insurance companies to help determine property insurance premiums for homes and businesses. A lower classification often translates into lower insurance costs for property owners within a fire district’s service area.
District leaders credited firefighters, staff, and community support for helping achieve the improved designation.
“This improved rating is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our firefighters, staff, and community investment in fire protection services,” said Fire Chief Fred Hertel. “The previous levy allowed the district to make meaningful improvements to emergency response capabilities and operational readiness, which played a major role in achieving this better classification for our community.”
The announcement comes just weeks after voters rejected Levy 27-148, a funding measure intended to maintain current staffing levels and operational capacity within the district.
As a result of the failed levy, SW Polk Fire District has warned residents to expect staffing reductions, longer emergency response times, and the closure of staffing operations at the Bridgeport Fire Station beginning June 30, 2026.
District officials cautioned that the improved ISO classification may be difficult to maintain if service levels decline.
“ISO ratings are built on measurable emergency service capabilities,” Hertel said. “When staffing decreases, stations become unstaffed, and response times increase, those changes can affect the level of fire protection available to the community. Maintaining this improved rating will require maintaining the resources that helped us achieve it.”
The district noted that future reductions in emergency response capabilities could negatively affect future ISO evaluations and potentially reverse the improved rating.
SW Polk Fire District officials said they remain committed to providing the highest level of emergency services possible while adapting to financial challenges and increasing wildfire risks facing the region.
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