MAMOU - The Town of Mamou has improved its fire rating, according to District Fire Chief Garry Reed. Mamou improved from a class four rating to a class three. The rural areas of the fire district remained at a class five rating.

Property Insurance Association of Louisiana came to the district in November of 2008 to grade the departments, Reed said. Fire departments are given a number from one to 10. The smaller the number the better the class rating and the lower the fire insurance premiums tend to be in the affected areas. Representatives looked at communications, equipment and water supply.

Reed said this year the town scored 71.11 points to achieve its three rating. The rural scored 55.49 points to maintain its five rating. “These are great ratings considering we are all volunteer firemen. At this time the rating in town is as good as the City of Alexandria, which has an all-paid department.

The district consists of Mamou, W.C. Read and Vidrine.

Reed commended the Mamou Fire District board members for making good decisions and the volunteer firemen from all of the departments for a job well done. “These men are committed to making our mission work, that is ‘to save lives and protect property.’”