Harris County Emergency Services District No. 48 received a new insurance rating, which will lower property insurance rates in its coverage area.

According to a press release, the Texas Department of Insurance and the State Fire Marshal’s Office awarded Harris County ESD 48 an Insurance Services Office Class 2. It was formerly at a Class 3 rating.



The new rating indicates the department is among the top 7% of fire departments in the state, per the release. Departments are graded on water distribution, fire department equipment, manpower, hydrant coverage and fire station facilities.

“This improved rating can lower the cost of property insurance rates for residential and commercial properties within our community,” Fire Chief Jeff Hevey said in the release. “It has been our goal since the inception of our new agency in 2015 to make the community a safer place to live and work.”

An ISO rating—which has 10 classes with Class 1 as the highest rank—determines property insurance rates. In April, the Katy Fire Department reached a Class 1 rank.

An event to celebrate Harris County ESD 48’s achievement will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 23 at the Station 5 administration building, at 21201 Morton Road, Katy, according to the release.

Harris County ESD 48 has four fire stations staffed by about 250 people. The district recently broke ground on a new permanent Fire Station No. 1 at 24127 Western Centre Drive, Katy. It is expected to open in summer 2020.