Learn how to apply for tender credit and how the evaluation process works.
In this article, you'll find answers to the following questions:
- How can a fire district or department apply for tender credit?
- How does the evaluation process work?
- How long does the evaluation process take?
- How often does tender credit need to be renewed?
- How do I get more information about applying for tender credit?
How can a fire district or department apply for tender credit?
The first step is to submit a written request to WSRB.
In that request, please provide an overview of how your department would set up and maintain a water supply in areas without fire hydrants. For various spots around your community without hydrants, include the following in the overview:
- The apparatus to be used and their water capacity.
- The location of the nearest apparatus water-refill point.
- The details of automatic aid apparatus, if any, from neighboring fire departments.
Also include training records showing all department personnel that have trained on tender operations.
For help in providing all the necessary information with your request, contact our Customer Service team at 206-217-0101 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and ask to be connected to the Vice President of Public Protection.
How does the evaluation process work?
We review the information you submit and contact you to do one of the following:
- Let you know that your department is not yet ready for a tender drill, along with an explanation.
- Request additional information.
- Schedule a tender drill.
If we schedule a tender drill, we will work with you to schedule the drill, and we will explain the drill procedures in detail in advance so everyone involved knows what to expect. During a tender drill, we will have you supply water to an engine from a water-hauling apparatus.
We will collect data during the drills and use it to complete the evaluation. If your department meets the tender credit criteria, we will let you know when tender credit will be effective. If your department doesn't meet the criteria, we will provide an explanation.
Note: tender credit, if granted, only applies to dwellings. To learn more about tender credit, click here.
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How long does the evaluation process take?
That varies based on multiple factors, including finding a time for the tender drill that works for you and for a WSRB fire protection analyst. To help speed up the process, please provide us with all the information we request in a timely manner.
How often does tender credit need to be renewed?
To retain tender credit, fire departments must conduct annual training drills for all department personnel. The drills should simulate the type of tender operations likely to be needed in the community.
For fire departments with tender credit, we will reevaluate the credit during each Protection Class (PC) evaluation, scheduled to occur every five years. When we conduct the PC evaluation, we will check the training records for annual tender drills and check that the other tender credit criteria are still being met. We may also require additional tender credit information and tender drills if there have been changes in the community since our last evaluation.
How do I get more information about applying for tender credit?
Contact our Customer Service team at 206-217-0101 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and ask to be connected to the Vice President of Public Protection.
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