Rapides Parish Fire District 18 has earned an improved Class 4 fire protection rating following its recent evaluation by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL).

The district announced the upgraded classification after completing the PIAL review process, which evaluates fire departments across Louisiana based on factors including equipment, staffing, training, communications, water supply and emergency response capabilities.

PIAL assigns fire protection ratings on a scale of 1 to 10, with Class 1 representing the highest level of fire protection and Class 10 the lowest. The ratings are used by insurance companies when determining property insurance premiums for homes and businesses.

Officials with Fire District 18 said the improved Class 4 rating reflects the department’s continued efforts to strengthen fire protection services for the community.

In addition to recognizing operational improvements, the upgraded classification could result in lower property insurance premiums for some residents and businesses served by the district, depending on their insurance provider and individual policy.