Fire officials are hopeful residents of Hog Chain will begin tosee fire insurance discounts by the end of the summer.

For that to happen, Lincoln County Fire Coordinator CliffordGaley said the volunteer fire department has only to get approvalfrom the State Rating Bureau, which will also set the district’sfire rating.

“Hog Chain has been through the process and they’re waiting forthe rating bureau to come do their survey,” he said.

An improvement in the fire rating from 10 to 9 will saveresidents approximately 15 percent on the fire coverage of theirhome insurance policies, Galey said. Once the rating bureau has setthe rate, the discounts will take effect when policies arerenewed.

The process is normally automatic, he said, but requires allagents to be notified of the change.

“It may be good of the homeowner to inquire of their insuranceprovider if they are getting the reduced rate when they renew theirpolicy,” Galey said.

The new rate, if approved, is the result of several years ofefforts by the department, he said. To be eligible for a 9 rating,the department had to meet minimum qualifications that includetrucks and equipment that are less than 15 years old, sufficientmanpower, the ability to deliver 17,500 gallons of water to a givenlocation and meet training and maintenance standards, amongothers.

The legal process to obtain the improved rating after thedepartment meets the requirements takes about a year to complete,Galey said.

The Zetus Fire Grading District was established in late Januaryand residents there are now able to receive the discounts when thepolicies are up for renewal. The New Sight Fire Grading Districtwas established several years ago.

Other county volunteer fire departments are working to meet therequirements to improve their ratings, Galey said.