Response times to structure fires across the United States in 2001-02 was typically less than five minutes, according to a report released Friday by the U.S. Fire Administration.
The National Fire Data Center in Emmitsburg analyzed information from the National Fire Incident Reporting System for its study which is available on the USFA website.
Researchers looked at fires in various regions across the country to determine trends. If the fire report indicated the response appeared to exceed 24 hours, it was excluded from the study.
They also concluded that they don't know how response standards or fire department goals affected the results. Also, fires that occurred during the day received a quicker response. "...Firefighters, both career and volunteer, tend to be asleep between midnight and 6 a.m. In addition, it is more difficult to see at night and just after awakening which results in driving more slowly."
To comment on the report
