From excerpts on NFPA.org:
Fire departments have faced criticism from the media and political figures regarding response times. NFPA 1710 outlines specific timelines for fire and emergency services deployment. While the technical committee aimed for empirical data-based guidelines, these can sometimes get misconstrued. The key question remains: how quickly is fast enough?
NFPA 1710 clearly states the ideal time for fire vehicles to reach incidents. Travel time, defined as the period starting when units leave the station and ending upon arrival, should not exceed 240 seconds for the initial engine company. Despite this, departments still face backlash.
A major issue lies in fire officials’ lack of clarity with the media. Some departments claim compliance with NFPA 1710 travel time rules but often measure travel time differently than the standard allows. With NFPA documents freely accessible online, journalists can easily cross-check and verify compliance.
Another challenge arises when agencies only refer to NFPA 1710 during budget discussions or when questioned publicly. The standard mandates departments create an annual organizational statement explaining their travel time goals, which must be made public.
Some departments hesitate to utilize the authority granted to them by NFPA 1710 to tailor recommendations to local needs. According to the equivalency clause in Chapter 1, the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) can adjust the guidelines, provided they communicate any added risks to the community and outline measures to mitigate those risks.
So, how fast is fast enough? It varies depending on the situation. NFPA 1710 offers crucial guidance. Use the entire standard, including the fire propagation curve in Annex A, as the foundation for setting the four-minute benchmark. Create a detailed organizational statement, maintain transparency if altering travel times, address any resulting risks, and consistently share updates with the public—not just during budget season.
It’s essential for departments to engage proactively with their communities, ensuring trust and understanding around these critical issues. By doing so, they can better serve and protect while addressing public concerns effectively.
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