Eagle Bay and Swansea Point fire departments have earned accreditation from the Fire Underwriters Survey, which could result in lower home insurance premiums for residents in those fire protection areas.
Both departments earned their Superior Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation this year by successfully passing the test requirements, which involved transferring water for firefighting operations in areas without fire hydrants.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) said as accredited fire departments, homeowners within the perimeters of the fire protection service areas are eligible to receive a discount on fire insurance rates from the majority of insurers in the country.
“We are proud of the dedication and training the firefighters from these departments put in to meet this high standard of service,” Sean Coubrough, Regional Fire Chief, said.
“Their efforts to successfully pass this test are a true reflection of the effort of each of our members. Their work has a direct benefit to their communities.”
According to the CSRD, sourcing water in rural areas can be a big challenge that rural fire departments face, especially during the accreditation process.
The CSRD said in order to qualify, teams must work to provide consistent water flow to detached dwellings throughout the fire protection area within a certain distance of their fire hall and of a recognized water source point. They must be able to show that they can maintain the standard throughout the five-year accreditation term.
CSRD fire departments already holding the Superior Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation include Anglemont, Celista, Scotch Creek and Lee Creek, Shuswap, Tappen Sunnybrae and White Lake. The Nicholson Fire Department also recently received the accreditation.
