Thames Centre Fire Department Earns New Service Accreditation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thames Centre Fire Department Earns New Service Accreditation

Recognition of Local Fire Protection Capabilities
Can Lower Insurance Costs for Residents

THAMES CENTRE –  The Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) has officially accredited the Thames Centre Fire Department for the delivery of Superior Tanker Shuttle Service (STSS), recognizing their ability to provide effective, reliable water supply operations in areas without hydrant coverage.

“We have always been proud of the work done by our fire department to keep residents safe,” noted Mayor Sharron McMillan. “Now their diligence to fire protection may also help some of our rural residents save money on their insurance costs.”

As a result of STSS accreditation, property owners within the fire protection district may now qualify for reductions in fire insurance rates.

“Insurance rates are often higher for property owners in rural areas without fire hydrants,” explained Fire Chief Nick Dorken. “Working to earn this accreditation, and showing our effectiveness in serving rural areas, should help to lower insurance costs for many rural insurance holders in Thames Centre.”

Detached dwellings located within 8 kilometres of a responding fire station and 5 kilometres of a certified water-refill site (DPG classifications), or within 5 kilometres of a fire station and 2.5 kilometres of a refill site (PFPC classifications), may be eligible for hydrant-protected equivalency status with most Canadian insurers.

As noted by the FUS, insurers across Canada rely on Fire Underwriters Survey data in determining property insurance rates. Accredited fire protection districts are considered equivalent to those with hydrant protection and may be rated as protected. While insurers maintain discretion in accepting this equivalency, FUS recommends its adoption.

Following a detailed review of test results and the department’s application, FUS has added the district to its national list of accredited agencies and updated the Canadian Fire Insurance Grading Index to reflect the achievement. The accreditation remains valid for five years.

A formal certificate of accreditation and a letter of recognition have been issued to stations in both Dorchester and Thorndale.

For more details, or to view the STSS accreditation certificates, visit our website at: https://www.thamescentre.on.ca/fire.

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Media Contact:

Michael Ramnanan
Communications Manager
mramnanan@thamescentre.on.ca
519.268-7334 ext. 258