The improved ratings come after a routine inspection was conducted in February 2021 of New Hanover County Fire Rescue by officials with the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), as part of a requirement of the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS). Among other things, the routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities, and availability of a water source.
The last time the county received a new rating was after its 2012 inspection, when NHCFR received a Class 4 rating.