If you’ve ever been burned out of your home, you know it can be devastating.

Lexington County officials are trying to improve fire safety — but at a price.

You can expect an increase in your home’s taxes this October.

Lexington County residential real estate bills will be mailed in October and due in January 2022.

Vehicle taxes will be included in your January tax bill, according to county Public Information Officer Jessica Imbimbo.

Owners of primary residences valued at $100,000 at a 4% rate will be $2.22 more.

Increased taxes of $3.34 will be billed on a $100,000 rental or 2nd home at 6%.

The increase will only affect areas of the county served by the Lexington County Fire Service.

The county expects to raise $612,158 a year for upgrades to the fire service.

The money will be used:

• To add captain-level staff at fire stations to supervise emergency scenes.

• For a safety and special operations battalion chief to enhance fire service safety programs.

A 3rd and final vote on the tax will be June 22.