Substantial insurance savings are in store for more Langley Township residents, as another rural area has received Superior Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation by the Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS).

Late last year, the Township Fire Department undertook a documentation and training process to prove that crews can quickly transport and maintain an effective water supply to fires in remote rural areas that are not serviced by hydrants or the municipal water network.

Getting water to rural areas means sending tanker trucks to and from the nearest hydrants in a relay.

The accreditation covered properties in southwest Langley serviced by Fire Halls 5 and 6 in Brookswood and Murrayville.

As a result, residents within that recognized area are now saving 30 to 40 per cent in the fire portion of their home insurance.

"Residents have been thrilled with this initiative," said assistant fire chief Pat Walker. "Not only can people in more remote locations be confident that the fire service can competently shuttle the tankers and supply water needed to fight fires, they are also seeing big savings in the amount they are paying to insure their homes."

The Township has announced they have now received accreditation in another area. Enhanced savings are now available to northeast Langley residents.

Walker noted that the new FUS approval almost fills the space between the two accredited areas. Coverage of that gap that will be completed in late May when the last round of shuttle service testing is done in southeast Langley.

While some properties won't meet the criteria of being within eight kilometres of a fire hall and five kilometres of a fire hydrant, the majority of rural Langley will then be covered, Walker said.

Residents who want to know if they are in an accredited area and qualify for reduced insurance must contact their insurance provider. The insurance provider will access the Fire Underwriters' website to view digital maps.

Residents in the accredited areas should seek an insurance provider that subscribes to the Fire Underwriters Survey to ensure they receive reduced insurance rates.

To be accredited, a fire department must prove it can provide an alternative water supply that can maintain a flow of 900 litres per minute within five minutes of the fire engine arriving on scene, and sustain the water supply for two hours.