Mayor Says Leesville, Louisiana Fire Protection Rating at Risk

Leesville, La., officials say one of the city’s fire pumps is broken, the other was shut down after it burst a 12-inch pipe, and 17 hydrants need repairs or replacement.

Mayor Robert Rose says that puts the city’s fire insurance rating at risk. That, in turn, could mean higher premiums for home insurance.

Rose, who took office about two months ago, says the pumps are needed because most municipal water systems cannot handle the needs of a fire truck, which can pump 1,000 gallons a minute. They are supposed to automatically switch on when the system senses a major drain.

City Administrator David Sage says fire protection is part of a master plan being drawn up to store the city’s water system to proper operation. The city would then need to find money for the multimillion dollar project.

Information from: Leesville Daily Leader