The Bergheim VFD recently announced a new ISO rating of “Class 4/10.” For properties in their service area — located within five road miles of a Bergheim station — an improved Class 4 rating (previously a 9) will be instated, effective May 1, 2016. Properties beyond five road miles will remain a Class 10 rating. Two stations cover the Bergheim VFD service area: the main station located at Hwy 46 and Old Curry Creek Road and a satellite station near the FM 3351 Cordillera Ranch gate.
This improved rating means that homes and businesses within five road miles of one of these stations may see a reduction in insurance premiums. Generally, the better the rating, the lower the premium; however, that can vary among insurance companies. Not all insurance companies use these ratings when calculating insurance premiums so it’s best to check with your insurance agent when writing or renewing your homeowner’s policy.
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) reviews and analyzes fire departments across the country and assigns Public Protection Classification (or PPC) ratings from 1 (the best) to 10 (the worst). This rating system is based on three core criteria: 1) communication systems to receive alarms and to dispatch equipment; 2) equipment at the fire station and on the trucks, plus staffing and training; 3) the community’s water supply for fighting fires.
Through donations, including $435,000 from the Cordillera Ranch Shindig Corporation in 2015, Bergheim VFD has purchased fire trucks and equipment, installed rainwater capture systems, provided firefighting clothing and helmets, trained volunteers and organized a first-class fire department. These initiatives resulted in the improved rating for the seven-year-old fire department which houses a fleet of six fire trucks and an emergency response vehicle.
In 2004 a group of concerned citizens recognized the need for a fire department in eastern Kendall County, selecting Bergheim as a central location. The Kendall County Commissioner – Precinct 2, helped the group obtain a deed from Kendall County for land on which to build the fire station, and continues to provide support. Construction began in June 2007 and two years later Bergheim VFD officially began operations.
Bergheim VFD services over 51 square miles in eastern Kendall County, which includes Bergheim, 11 neighborhoods and over 2,200 addresses. This service area is bordered on the north by the Guadalupe River (Edge Falls Road); on the east by the Comal County line; on the south by FM 3351 at the Silver Hills subdivision; and on the west by Highway 46 at Rust Lane. Bergheim VFD is the first responder to fire and emergency calls in eastern Kendall County. The main fire station in Bergheim and the satellite station located near the east gate of Cordillera Ranch on FM 3351 serve the communities of Bergheim, Cordillera Ranch, Coveney Ranch, Dresden Woods, Hold-’Em Ranch, Kendall Woods Estates, Meadow Springs Estates, North Barcroft Estates, Pleasant Valley, Sage Oaks, Silver Hills, Waterstone and surrounding areas, and is a backup responder to other fire departments outside the main service area.
Engine 31, a 2014 pumper/tender, is the first truck dispatched to a structure fire. It carries 1,800 gallons of water and is capable of transporting a 6-man crew. Proceeds from the Cordillera Shindig in 2015 contributed to the purchase of this engine.
