• How does Fire Services support local fire departments?

RDN Fire Services administers two departments directly and provides funding and administrative support to others, including society-run departments as well as through contracts with other fire departments. Support includes dispatch coordination, mutual aid agreements, and asset management and capital project planning.

• What are the key priorities for fire protection in the RDN?

Priorities include maintaining service levels, ensuring compliance with provincial standards, supporting volunteer capacity, and planning for capital expenditures and infrastructure upgrades like fire hall replacements.

• What bylaws govern fire protection infrastructure in the RDN?

Fire protection is governed by RDN service bylaws and provincial legislation, including the new Fire Safety Act (2024).

• What is Fire Protection, how does it impact my property and my insurance? 

Download the RDN Fire Services Bulletin - Fire Protection to learn more. 

• What is Fire Underwriters Survey, Dwelling Protection Grade and how do they impact my property? 

Download the RDN Fire Services Bulletin - Fire Underwriters Survey to learn more. 

• Why is Fire Insurance Grading & Recognition Important?

To help establish appropriate fire insurance rates for residential and commercial properties, insurance companies need reliable, up-to-date information about a community's fire-protection services. Fire Underwriters Survey provides that information through the Public Fire Protection Classification (PFPC) and Dwelling Protection Grades (DPG) insurance grading systems.

Communities across Canada are assessed and PFPC and DPG grades are calculated by Certified Fire Protection Specialists, Engineering Technologists and Professional Engineers. This information is then published in the online Fire Insurance Grading Index. The information published in the online Fire Insurance Grading Index is used by insurers to determine their underwriting capacities and to help set property insurance rates.

When a community improves its PFPC or DPG, insurance rates may be reduced, and underwriting capacities may increase. Every insurance company has its own formula for calculating their underwriting capacities and insurance rates, however the PFPC and DPG classifications are extremely useful to insurers in determining the level of insurable risk present within a community.

Source: Fire Underwriters Survey: Grading & Recognition(External link) 

• What is the Dwelling Protection Grade (DPG™)?

One of the fire insurance classifications Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) establishes and conveys to FUS member companies is the Dwelling Protection Grade. The D.P.G. is a numerical system scaled from 1 to 5. One (1) is the highest grading possible and 5 indicates little or no recognized public fire protection. This grading reflects the ability of a community to handle fires in small buildings (e.g. single family dwellings).

Source: Fire Underwriters Survey: Dwelling Protection Grade 

• How does the Dwelling Protection Grading™ work?

Fire Underwriters Survey's (FUS) Dwelling Protection Grade™ program provides important, up-to-date information about municipal fire-protection services throughout the country. The DPG program provides a simple and accurate method of determining whether a fire department meets the necessary benchmarks to effectively fight fires in small buildings such as one and two family dwellings (detached dwellings with not more than two dwelling units).

Fire Underwriters Survey's Certified Fire Protection Specialists collect information about the quality of public fire protection in all built-up communities across Canada. In each of those communities, FUS analyzes the relevant data and assigns a Dwelling Protection Grade - a number from 1 to 5. Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection, and Class 5 indicates that the area's fire-suppression program does not meet the minimum criteria to be recognized for fire insurance grading purposes.

Canadian insurers of one and two family dwellings (Detached Dwellings) use Fire Underwriters Survey's Dwelling Protection Grades in calculating appropriate insurance rates/premiums. In general, the price of insurance in a community with a good DPG is substantially lower than in a community with a poor DPG, assuming all other factors are equal. Learn more(External link). 

Source: Fire Underwriters Survey: Dwelling Protection Grade

• How and why should I petition to be included in a Fire Protection Area?

Download the RDN Fire Services Bulletin - Petition for Fire Protection to learn more. 

• What is fire water storage? 

Fire water storage is engineered infrastructure (like tanks or reservoirs) designed to support firefighting operations. It must meet RDN bylaws, provincial regulations, and be approved through formal planning and permitting processes.

• What is homeowner water storage? 

Homeowner water storage for FireSmart sprinklers is typically smaller and intended for personal property protection. These systems are not regulated and may unintentionally drain local water supplies during wildfire events. FireSmart BC advises caution and recommends focusing on landscaping and building upgrades instead. 

• What is public water infrastructure?

Public water infrastructure should only be developed with community support to ensure responsible use of taxpayer resources.

• What are best practices for fire water storage in rural areas?

Best practices include tank sizing based on risk assessment, accessibility for tanker shuttle operations, and alignment with Fire Underwriters Survey standards.

• Are there provincial or federal guidelines for fire water tanks?

Yes. The Fire Safety (Risk Analysis for Compliance Monitoring) Regulation supports risk-based planning for fire water storage.

• What is the approval process for fire water storage systems?

Approval involves coordination with RDN Planning, RDN Building Inspection Services, and RDN Fire Services. Early engagement is encouraged.

• How are fire trucks and equipment disposed of?

Disposal follows RDN policies and procedures. Departments may sell or donate assets with approval and documentation.

• What training is required for firefighters?

Training must meet WorkSafeBC, Office of the Fire Commissioner, and Medical First Response standards. RDN supports access to certified programs.

• How does the RDN support recruitment and retention?

Support includes funding for training, mental health resources, and recognition events. Volunteerism in the RDN and BC is vital to rural fire protection.

• What grants are available for training and staffing?

Departments may apply for Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) grants and other provincial funding. RDN Fire Services assists with applications, grant management and reporting where necessary.

• What is the RDN’s role in wildfire response?

RDN coordinates with BC Wildfire Service and local departments. Fire Services supports public education, mapping, and burn bans.

• How are residents notified during fire emergencies?

Notifications are issued via RDN website, social media, and emergency alert systems. Interactive maps show fire protection areas and burn regulations.

• What resources are available for community preparedness?

Resources include the Emergency Response Guide, fire safety education, and community engagement events. 

Learn more: RDN Emergency Services and RDN FireSmart. You can also d​​​​​​ownload the RDN Fire Services Bulletin - FireSmart Information to learn more. 

• What is STSS Accreditation and why does it matter to RDN residents?

STSS is a national fire protection certification that recognizes a fire department’s ability to deliver water to fire scenes in rural areas at a rate comparable to a municipal hydrant system. This is achieved by shuttling water using tanker trucks from approved sources. 

For residents in the Regional District of Nanaimo—especially those in areas without hydrants—STSS can mean:

• Improved fire protection: Accredited departments have demonstrated they can sustain high-volume water delivery during emergencies.
• Potential insurance savings: Properties within accredited service areas may qualify for reduced fire insurance premiums.
• Community resilience: In 2021 the District 69 Tanker Shuttle Challenge showcased the collaboration and capability of seven local departments, reinforcing public safety across Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and surrounding communities.

Learn more from the Fire Underwriters Survey and the RDN News Release.

• Who do I contact for hydrant issues?

Reach out to or RDN Building Inspection Services. Include location details and photos if possible.

• How do I reach the Fire Services team?

Contact Fire Services at FireServices [at] rdn.bc.ca or T 250-390-4111 (Nanaimo) 1-877-607-4111 (Toll Free).

• Where can I find more information or request a meeting?

Visit RDN Fire Services.