Findings from Fire Research Symposium Outlined

ARLINGTON, VA. – Panels discussing fire research needs were busy tweaking their reports here Wednesday morning.

Participants reviewing seven specific areas will present their findings today to the entire audience attending the National Fire Service Research Agenda Symposium.

The breakout groups are looking at community risk, data management, emergency operations, health and wellness, occupational diseases, tools and equipment and wildland firefighting.

The presentations will resemble a courtroom atmosphere as selected jurors will later deliberate.

National Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation Executive Director Ron Siarnicki said he was pleased with the quality of discussions he’s heard.

He pointed out that the majority of the major studies underway are the result of suggestions made during similar symposiums.

The first order of business for the panels Tuesday was a review of work done by the previous group in 2011. They also had the opportunity to hear about ongoing research.

Discussions that followed involved the relevance of the current research as well as the progress or lack thereof.

During brain-storming sessions Tuesday, one group spoke of the need for research into the health of arson investigators, airport firefighters and mothers who are lactating.

Another had a lengthy discussion about data collection. Some expressed concern that the average firefighter doesn’t understand how important it is to complete a report.

Former Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Charlie Dickinson said he’s amazed at the ever-changing technology and its impact on the way firefighters do their jobs.

“I never dreamed some of this stuff was possible,” he said, referring to a device mounted on a wall that senses how many people are in the room. “Think about that one. Firefighters pulling up may be able to look at an app to determine if there is anyone in the house…”

He’s impressed by the caliber of research conducted to keep firefighters safe. But, he said more has to be done to get people to buy in.

“We have well-educated people leading the fire service. And, they have to find a way to get firefighters to understand why things need to change.”

It's imperative, he said, for people to take the data results and implement changes if applicable. 

Findings from today's meeting so far:

Community Risk Reduction:

• Code adoption leads to citizen and firefighter safety
• Decision makers need to be equipped with risk management tools
• Data that examines the economic impact of firefighting, fire prevention success metrics and performance of smoke alarms
• Look at the effectiveness of fire safety messaging and behavior

Occupational Diseases:

• Understanding acute exposure

Firehouse.com will continue to update this story as discussions are held today.