The Historical Progression of the Fire Problem in the United  States

The Historical Progression of the Fire Problem in the United  States

In 2014 there were 1,298,000 fires reported in the United States; the results of these fires accounted for 3,275 civilian deaths, 15,775 civilian injuries, 64 firefighter deaths, 65,880 firefighter injuries, and 11.5 billion dollars in property damage (NFPA, 2015). A community that effectively engages in fire prevention and education will potentially be less likely to have large building fires, fewer civilian injuries and deaths, fewer firefighter injuries and deaths, and fewer property damage and business interruption due to fires. There has been significant progress throughout history when it comes to fire prevention. New fire codes and protection systems are introduced every year to improve fire prevention. It is the responsibility of the leadership of the community (such as the Mayor, City Manager, City Council, and Police Chiefs) to be concerned actively and knowledgeable about the risks and costs of not providing necessary fire protection systems in buildings, as well as the risks and costs of not having proper fire education.

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It may be a surprise, but the United States historically has one of the worst fire records in the Western World (Diamantes, 2014). Fire prevention efforts reveal patterns of reaction followed by inaction; this reactive mindset, when combating fire, is far less effective than a proactive mindset (Diamantes, 2014). The insurance industry has had the most significant impact in creating proactive efforts for combating fires; it is the insurance industry that provided much of the effort in developing regulations (Diamantes, 2014). The second fire insurance company, Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses Loss by Fire (founded in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin), would only provide insurance to well-built and well-maintained properties and periodically inspected the properties, improving fire-safe construction and promote general fire prevention practices (Diamantes, 2014). Since the 1970s (with the help of the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control’s 1973 report, “America Burning”), the United States has successfully reduced the number of fatalities and injuries caused by fires. Today, fire prevention methods have been greatly improved by governments, businesses, and other organizations; though vast improvements have been made, community leaders must strive to implant the concept of fire prevention within their community (Diamantes, 2014).

Unfortunately, some communities do not focus enough on fire education and prevention due to its high aggregate costs. Unfortunately, this is done due to a misconception of the risks and costs of fire events. Community leadership must be willing to make a community risk analysis regarding fire prevention and education. A community risk analysis can help City Managers and other entities within the community to provide positive outcomes for the community. A community risk analysis is known as “a process that identifies fire and life safety problems and the demographic characteristics of those at risk in the community.” (Diamantes, 2014) Administrators use this analysis to weigh the possible risks and benefits of adopting a new code or creating a program within their department. The USFA developed a Five Step Process known as “Public Fire Education Planning” as a starting point for performing a proper community risk analysis (Diamantes, 2014). The Five Step Process includes: 1. Identify data to be analyzed, 2. Develop a community risk profile, 3. Write a problem statement, 4. Prioritize Issues, and 5. Identify target areas of the population (Diamantes, 2014).

To perform a thorough risk analysis, identifying accurate data sources is vital; a comparison of national, state, and local data must be considered (Diamantes, 2014). While looking at the data, data analysis must demonstrate “what is occurring, who is being affected, and where they are located” (Diamantes, 2014). In this data, a demographic profile must be created, which describes a population that includes age, income, gender, and other characteristics used to identify needs (Diamantes, 2014). Risks in areas include two different types: human-created risks and naturally occurring risks (Diamantes, 2014). Human-created risks are risks caused by the acts of humans; this includes manufacturing, transportation, and the use of hazardous materials (Diamantes, 2014). Naturally occurring risks can be natural risks such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes (Diamantes, 2014). A risk profile can be created by determining all the significant risks of the community (Diamantes, 2014). A risk profile can address the risks of an entire population or just part of the population (Diamantes, 2014). Once this risk profile is created, a problem statement can be drawn: the portion of a community risk profile where a problem affecting the community is defined (Diamantes, 2014). According to “Principles of Fire Prevention, 3rd Edition:” “a problem statement provides a fact-based overview of the issue, identifies who is affected by it, and includes a vision of how the organization proposes to address it” (Diamantes, 2014). The Five-Step Analysis is one of the many tools a local leader has available; it only requires time and data analysis, and no direct monetary costs are involved. Direct costs are, unfortunately, the reason for evading proper fire prevention and education, but a community risk analysis provides no direct costs to the community, and yet it is still an effective tool used to understand the need within the community regarding fire prevention.

Again I state, in 2014, 3,275 civilians died, 15,775 civilians were injured, 64 firefighters died, 65,880 firefighters were injured due to fires, and 11.5 billion dollars in property damage (NFPA, 2015). Though these numbers are high, these numbers are the lowest numbers since 1981, when the NFPA first started recording the deaths and injuries resulting from fires (NFPA, 2015). These numbers have significantly lowered and hopefully will continue to lower due to improvements in firefighter’s knowledge of fire behaviour and the training in firefighter tactics.

Ramifications of Ignoring Fire Prevention and Education

Creating public awareness through educational programs on fire is a mitigation measure and helps save lives. Understanding fire behaviour, proper hazard education, and taking appropriate action in case of occurrence is more necessary rather than establishing the cause. People need to be sensitized on what causes a fire, how to protect themselves during a fire, and how to behave. Evacuation plans and emergency calls form part of the response and should be well understood. Active participation and involvement of all individuals, including all stakeholders, is a fundamental consideration to be upheld. (Kolenkas, Ljatkovic, Milanko & Krunic, 2013).

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REFERENCES:

Kolenkas, I., Ljatkovic, M., Milanko, V., & Krunic, T. (2013). Application of information technologies in fire protection education. Online Journal of Applied Knowledge Management, 1(2), 78-84. Retrieved December 5, 2014, from http://www.iiakm.org/ojakm/articles/2013/volume1_2/OJAKM_Volume1_2pp78-84.pdf

Diamantes, David. (12/2014). Principles of Fire Prevention, 3rd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781284089417/NFPA

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Address the historical progression of the fire problem in the United  States. Identify and delineate several factors that help explain the disparity between the high aggregate fire costs for the nation,  states, and communities and lower perceptions of fire risks and costs.  What are the ramifications of ignoring fire prevention and education?

The Historical Progression of the Fire Problem in the United States

Make sure to read Fire Death Rate Trends to help formulate your opinion.

You must use at least two sources for citations and include these sources in your APA formatted reference section.