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Emergency manager reports spike in fires, ISO visit set to reassess county insurance ratings
Summary
Geary County’s emergency management lead reported eight fires so far this year (compared with three last year), a major hay‑bale blaze with an estimated $34,000 loss, ongoing recruit training and an upcoming ISO evaluation that could affect county insurance ratings.
Curtis, the county’s emergency management representative, told commissioners the county has responded to eight fires so far this year compared with three at the same time last year and described a recent hay‑bale fire that burned about 150 bales and caused an estimated $34,000 in loss.
Curtis said the department has an active recruit class, will host pipeline‑association training (free lunch offered), and that ISO (Insurance Services Office) will visit next Tuesday to reassess fire department ratings, which can influence property insurance classifications and premiums. He also described progress on air‑pack grant work, equipment pricing and the need to balance grant parameters with the county’s budget to determine how many packs the county can buy.
Curtis reported staff efforts on mitigation planning with neighboring jurisdictions and noted planned CERT and severe‑weather training dates. Commissioners thanked staff and wished Curtis well on an upcoming arson recertification course in Wichita.
Next steps: ISO evaluation will proceed and the department will continue grant negotiations for breathing air packs while managing costs and training schedules.
