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W Classification: What It Is and How It Works

This article explains the W Protection Class designation, why it was created, and how insurers may choose to use it through the Alternative Public Protection Classification Manual.

What You’ll Learn

What Is the W Classification?

The W Classification is a refinement to Protection Class (PC) that recognizes certain properties located between five and seven road miles from a recognized Class A fire station, when those properties still benefit from meaningful fire suppression capabilities.

To distinguish these properties from both standard classifications and traditional PC 9 areas, WSRB assigns a “W” suffix to the Protection Class of the community or fire district.

The “W” designation indicates that while distance increases response complexity, the fire protection capability is superior to that of areas typically associated with PC 9.

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Why Was the W Classification Created?

Approximately 96% of properties in Washington state are located within five road miles of a fire station. For properties beyond that distance, historical data is more limited, but WSRB recognizes that fire protection capability does not drop off uniformly at the five-mile mark.

Many communities have:

  • Organized response from Class A fire stations

  • Adequate water supply infrastructure

  • Mobile water supply capabilities

  • Trained personnel and appropriate apparatus

The W Classification was created to better recognize these differences and provide insurers with additional Protection Class differentiation where it is supported by fire protection capabilities.

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Which Properties May Qualify for a W Classification?

A property may qualify for a W Classification if it meets all of the following criteria:

  • Located between five and seven road miles from a responding Class A fire station, and

  • Within 1,000 feet of a hydrant, or

  • Located in a community that receives Mobile Water Supply Credit

For dwellings and farm dwellings, Tender Credit is also considered, consistent with current PPCM provisions.

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How the W Classification Fits into the PPCM Framework

The W Classification builds on refinements made in prior updates to the Public Protection/BCEGS Classification Manual (PPCM), including revisions finalized in 2019. Those updates focused on improving classification accuracy for properties beyond five road miles.

The W Classification does not replace existing Protection Classes. Instead, it:

  • Adds an intermediate distinction

  • Preserves existing distance and water supply requirements

  • Improves alignment between classification and actual fire suppression capability

The W Classification offers insurers an optional refinement through the Alternative Public Protection Classification Manual, allowing them to determine whether this additional distinction supports their underwriting and rating objectives.

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Where to Learn More

For additional details, including adoption considerations and examples, refer to:

If you have questions about how Protection Class or W Classifications apply to specific properties, contact WSRB Customer Service.

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