The effort to achieve a special accreditation by the St. Clair Township Fire Department may eventually result in an insurance break for some in the municipality.
Chief Richard Boyes said they've demonstrated a proven ability to shuttle water by tanker and maintain the required fire flows needed for residential and commercial fire protection.
"We're very pleased that we qualified for the Superior Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation, which is recognized by the Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS)," Boyes said. "They're a national body that deals with insurance underwriters."
A minimum fire flow of 200 gallons per minute was delivered to achieve the residential accreditation and a minimum fire flow of 400 gallons per minute was delivered to achieve commercial accreditation.
"It's giving you hydrant protection through tankers. That's what this is all about," Boyes said. "You have to be within five kilometres of a fire hydrant for residences and 2.5 kilometres for businesses to qualify for the insurance reduction."
During the final portion of the test, Boyes said the fire department exceeded both requirements and achieved a maximum sustained flow of 650 gallons per minute.
The formal recognition from FUS is expected to be available by mid-August 2026.
Once received, the township said it will post the information on the municipal website for residents, businesse,s and insurance providers to access.
Eligible property owners can then request a review of their fire insurance rating.
Boyes said property owners should specifically advise their insurer that the St. Clair Township Fire Department has achieved Superior Tanker Shuttle Service accreditation for both residential and commercial protection and ask whether the property qualifies for a rate reduction.
