BAYOU VISTA — Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Department Chief Price proudly announced that the department has achieved a PIAL Rating Class 4, marking a major accomplishment for both the department and the community it serves.
Chief Price expressed deep gratitude to the dedicated members of the department, saying their commitment and teamwork made this achievement possible. “We cannot thank our wonderful members enough for all of their dedication to our organization,” Chief Price said.
In addition, One Sub Sea has also improved its fire protection rating — moving from a Class 7 to a Class 4 — further demonstrating the area’s progress in emergency preparedness and response.
Chief Price extended appreciation to the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) staff for offering valuable educational classes at the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Conferences, which helped local fire officials better understand how to improve their community’s score.
What Is PIAL?
PIAL, or the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana, is a private, non-profit organization made up of all insurance companies licensed to provide fire and related coverage in the state. The association evaluates every fire district approximately every five years, assigning a Class rating from 1 to 10 — with Class 1 being the best and Class 10 representing minimal fire protection.
How Ratings Are Determined
Several key components contribute to a PIAL rating, including:
1. Emergency Communication – How efficiently 911 calls are received and dispatched to fire departments.
2. Fire Department Resources – The number and training of firefighters, as well as the quality of trucks and equipment.
3. Water Supply – The condition and adequacy of fire hydrants and the overall water system.
4. Community Risk Reduction – Fire safety education, code enforcement, and investigation efforts.
What It Means for Residents
A lower PIAL class rating benefits the community by reducing property insurance premiums, as it reflects a lower overall risk for insurers. Beyond the financial benefit, the new rating signifies that Bayou Vista is better equipped than ever to protect lives and property.
Chief Price concluded, “This achievement represents teamwork, training, and our ongoing mission to serve and protect Bayou Vista with the highest level of excellence.”
