Confine structure fires to room of origin 85% of the time
Objective Description
Trend Analysis
In FY23, there were 250 structure fires, including fixed mobile homes and commercial trailers, and 87% were confined to the object or room of origin. Since 2014, the County averaged over 84% of fires confined to room of origin and over the last two years we are trending upwards. In FY23 there was an slight increase to the number of structure fires occurring within our community, however, first arriving Engine on scene to a fire declined to 6:45 seconds, arriving 30 seconds faster than the prior year.
Strategies
- Implement a dynamic dispatch system that determines unit assignments based on real-time GPS-based Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL).
- Strategically plan and construct new facilities and place apparatus around the County.
- Assure adequate staffing on fire engines, aerial and rescue squad units that allows for effective and rapid execution of "critical immediate tasks" upon arrival to fires.
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Source: Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue