CSRD Fire Departments Earn New Designation

Media Release

Three Columbia Shuswap Regional District Fire Departments recently passed tests from the Fire Underwriters Survey which may lead to home insurance savings for residents in those fire protection areas.

The Eagle Bay, Swansea Point and Nicholson Fire Departments have earned their Superior Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation in 2025 by successfully passing the test requirements, which involved successfully transferring water for firefighting operations in areas without fire hydrants.

The Eagle Bay Fire Department spraying water during their accreditation exam (CSRD Fire photo)

As an accredited fire department, homeowners within these fire protection service areas are eligible to receive a cost reduction on their fire insurance rates from most insurers in Canada.

“We are proud of the dedication and training the firefighters from these departments put in to meet this high standard of service,” says Sean Coubrough, Regional Fire Chief. “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.”

Sourcing water in rural areas can be one of the biggest challenges faced by rural fire departments especially in the time frames set out in the accreditation process.

To qualify, teams of firefighters must work to ensure a consistent water flow to detached dwellings throughout the fire protection area within eight kilometres of their fire hall and within five kilometres of a recognized water supply point.

The tests are conducted by an independent examiner and fire departments must be able to provide evidence of maintaining the standard throughout the five-year accreditation term.

CSRD fire departments already holding the Superior Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation include: Anglemont, Celista, Scotch Creek / Lee Creek, Shuswap, Tappen Sunnybrae and White Lake.