Discussion on appropriate response times for fire & EMS

    Excerpts from NFPA.org:

    In recent years, several fire departments have faced public and political scrutiny over their response times. The NFPA 1710 standard outlines specific timeframes for emergency response, aiming to ensure that fire and medical services arrive quickly enough to save lives and property. While the original goal of the Technical Committee was to establish realistic response times based on data, the interpretation of these guidelines can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or criticism.

    NFPA 1710 defines “travel time” as the period between when a unit departs for an incident and when it arrives on scene. According to Chapter 4, the first engine company should reach a fire within 240 seconds (four minutes). This clear directive raises an important question: why do some departments still face criticism if they are following the standard?

    One issue stems from a lack of openness from fire officials when communicating with the media. Some departments claim full compliance with NFPA 1710, even when they have altered how they measure travel time. Since all NFPA standards are publicly available online, journalists can easily verify whether a department is truly meeting the requirements or just using the standard selectively.

    Another challenge arises when agencies use NFPA 1710 only for budget justification rather than as a true operational guide. The standard requires departments to create and maintain an organizational statement explaining their response objectives, which must be updated annually and shared with the public. Transparency in this area is essential for building trust and accountability.

    Additionally, some fire departments may not fully utilize the flexibility provided by the equivalency clause in Chapter 1. This allows local authorities to adjust NFPA recommendations based on community needs, as long as they clearly communicate any changes and address potential risks. If a department chooses to extend response times, the public should be informed and assured that alternative measures are in place to protect them.

    So, how fast is fast enough? It depends on many factors, but NFPA 1710 provides a solid framework for answering that question. Make sure to use the full standard, including the fire propagation curve in Annex A, to support your four-minute travel time goal. Develop a clear organizational statement, be honest about any modifications, address any risks, and share this information openly and regularly—not just during budget season. Public trust is built through transparency and consistent communication.

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