Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department is making improvements in the fire services that it provides to the town of Mathiston, Webster and Choctaw counties.
On Oct. 3, the Mississippi State Rating Bureau confirmed that the department had obtained a Sixth Class fire insurance rating because of the advancement of fire defenses of the town of Mathiston.
The rating classification ranges from 10th Class to First Class with 10th Class being the highest, meaning homeowners pay the highest in insurance premiums. With the new Sixth Class rating homeowners located within 5 road miles from the fire department should see a decrease in their insurance premiums.
The addition of a new “quick-attack” truck and the ability to move approximately 13,500 gallons of water initially to any fire has prompted the fire rating change, according to a release from Mathiston VFD.
Members of the fire department constructed the quick-attack truck with funding from the Mississippi Forestry Commission Volunteer Fire Assistance Program grant, 4-County Electric Power Association Foundation grant and the use of fire insurance rebate funds received from the state.
The vehicle was put into service in January 2019 and has become a valuable asset to the fire department. It is equipped with a skid unit with 300 gallons of water and foam capabilities for fire suppression, and carries the “Jaws of Life” for automobile extrication. The vehicle is used as the department’s primary medical response unit and grass fire suppression vehicle.
“With the addition of our new equipment and the quick response of the volunteers, Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department will continue to serve the citizens of Mathiston, Webster and Choctaw counties, and continue to improve the services that we provide and plan on future improvements,” the department stated.
