The Town of Olds is informing residents and property owners on the cost recovery model of fire services.
A news release from the town highlights that 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.
The Fire Department has a three-tiered structure for cost recovery based on the type of service rendered, the costs range from $150 for a basic response to an hour apparatus rate when the incident requires more than one hour.
Medical assistance and AHS support calls are not invoiced.
While fire response fees are common in most home and business insurance policies, the Town encourages property owners to contact their insurance providers to confirm coverage.
Renters should note that their landlord’s property insurance does not cover personal belongings.
For more information visit Olds.ca/Fire Department.