The Town of Olds seeks to inform citizens and property owners on the cost recovery model of our fire services. While property taxes cover the basic costs of having a fire department, additional expenses incurred during fire responses are applied to the properties where services are provided. By standardizing invoicing for fire responses, the Town aims to reduce the reliance on property taxes to maintain services and utilize private property insurance to absorb most fire response costs. This cost recovery model is commonplace across Alberta.
“We want to make sure our community understands the importance of having proper insurance coverage for fire response costs. This fee structure helps us maintain a high level of service while ensuring fairness for all property owners.” explains Justin Andrew, Fire Chief Director of Protective Services
Property owners who receive service from the Fire Department will be billed. This includes residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. The most common services provided are firefighting and home alarm systems (usually false alarms). Homeowners with security alarm systems should ensure they are working properly and understand how the system connects to 911 dispatch, as it is their financial responsibility for any unnecessary fire dispatch calls.
The Fire Department has a three-tiered structure for cost recovery based on the type of service rendered:
- Basic Response - $150: One resource is dispatched, and the incident is resolved quickly.
- Standard Response - $300: Multiple resources are required, and the incident is resolved within one hour.
- Extended Response – Hourly Apparatus Rate: When the incident requires more than one hour, the assigned resources will be charged at an hourly rate in accordance with the current Alberta Transportation Rates of Reimbursement for Fire Departments.
Medical assistance and AHS support calls are not invoiced.
While fire response fees are common in most home and business insurance policies, we encourage property owners to contact their insurance providers to confirm coverage. Renters should note that their landlord’s property insurance does not cover personal belongings. Separate tenant’s insurance is required to ensure contents are covered.
For more information and to understand how this affects you, please visit our website at www.olds.ca/fire-department. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Olds Fire Department or your insurance provider.
For more information, please contact:
Justin Andrew
Fire Chief/Director of Protective Services
Town of Olds
403.507.4860
PSadmin@olds.ca