Your home may be eligible for reduced fire insurance rates

Strathcona County Emergency Services has been accredited by Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) to provide Superior Tanker Shuttle Service (STSS). This means we are able to deliver an uninterrupted water supply for fire protection in certain rural areas without public hydrants. Instead, a continuous water supply is provided using tanker trucks.

FUS has assigned properties that fall within these areas a dwelling protection grade (DPG) of 3BS. These areas may be eligible for reduced fire insurance rates.

For property owners

Please contact your insurance agent directly:

• to determine your specific dwelling protection grade (DWG) assigned by FUS and if it has an impact on you fire insurance rate
• for detailed information about the type, size and spatial separation requirements 
• if you have questions about why your home does, or does not fall within the expanded area

Fire insurance rates are based on several factors besides the DWG. Please speak to your insurance agent for more details.

For insurance companies/agents

Please contact the Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS):

• to get access the grading index portal
• get specific dwelling protection grades (DWG) for customers
• if you have questions about the grading index

Please note that Strathcona County Emergency Services does not have access to dwelling protection grades as this is proprietary information of FUS which is only provided to insurance companies and agencies.

Wondering about the costs of fire response and who is responsible for paying?

Strathcona County Emergency Services has the authority to issue fines through our Fire Services Bylaw and Outdoor Burning Bylaw and to recover costs outlined in the fees and charges (page 54) associated with extinguishing a fire. 

In practice, Emergency Services rarely charges for fire fighting expenses. Emergency Services may seek to recover costs on a case-by-case basis (e.g. failure to extinguish an outdoor fire during a fire ban when directed to do so or other contravention of the bylaws). 

Third-party costs such as excavators, cellulose insulation removal from attics, disposal, security, etc. are billed to the property owner and typically paid for through insurance. 

Costs for responses may vary depending on the type of equipment utilized, length of time on scene and number of resources required. As with any insurance coverage, residents are encouraged to review insurance policies thoroughly to determine if it provides the right coverage for them.