Sunday September 21, 2025 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Sooke Fire Rescue Services has successfully been reaccredited for Superior Tanker Shuttle Service (STSS) by the Fire Underwriters Survey.
This recognition confirms the department’s ability to deliver reliable water supplies for firefighting in areas without fire hydrants – helping safeguard lives, homes, and properties across the community.
The District of Sooke posted this in their in-house news stream on September 15.
Insurance designation:
Accreditation is considered equivalent to hydrant protection in the Canadian Fire Insurance Grading Index. This means homeowners in eligible areas are recognized as having a level of fire protection that satisfies insurers’ requirements for reduced property insurance rates.
The reaccreditation means that residents living within eight kilometres of a Sooke Fire Hall and within five kilometres of a recognized water supply point continue to be recognized as having an equivalent level of protection to properties serviced by hydrants. This designation is reflected in existing insurance classifications and helps ensure eligible homeowners maintain these rates.
“This reaccreditation demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fire protection for our community,” said Fire Chief Wayne Kennedy. “For residents in rural areas without hydrants, it reinforces that Sooke Fire Rescue is able to provide dependable service and that their insurance rates remain reflective of this recognized level of protection.”
The accreditation is valid for five years and reflects the professionalism and dedication of Sooke Fire Rescue Services, who train continuously to meet rigorous service standards.
About Superior Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation:
The Superior Tanker Shuttle Service (STSS) accreditation is a rigorous process managed by Fire Underwriters Survey, an independent organization with more than 100 years of experience assessing fire protection in Canada. To achieve accreditation, fire departments must:
- Demonstrate capacity: Deliver and sustain a minimum water flow of 200 gallons per minute within five minutes of the first truck’s arrival and maintain this flow for at least two hours.
- Prove coverage: Meet distance requirements by showing that dwellings within eight kilometres of a recognized fire hall and within five kilometres of a certified water supply point (such as a hydrant, cistern, or drafting site) can receive service.
- Pass on-site testing: Undergo full-scale testing witnessed by Fire Underwriters Survey, confirming the ability to shuttle water from supply points to a simulated fire site using tankers and portable pumps.
- Maintain readiness: Keep detailed records of training and equipment readiness to ensure that the standard can be met consistently, not just during evaluation.
Fire Hall Locations:
The District of Sooke has two fire halls. The main station and headquarters — Fire Hall #1 — is at 2225 Otter Point Road next to municipal hall. Fire Hall#2 is at 2011 Goodridge Road (serving Sooke’s east side and surrounding areas).
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NEWS SECTIONS: SOOKE | EMERGENCY SERVICES – FIREFIGHTERS