Excerpts from NFPA.org:
In recent years, several fire departments have faced increased scrutiny from the media and local officials regarding their response times. The NFPA 1710 standard outlines specific timeframes for fire and emergency services to respond to incidents. While the original goal of the Technical Committee was to establish realistic response times based on data, the interpretation of these guidelines has sometimes led to confusion or criticism. This raises an important question: How fast is actually fast enough?
NFPA 1710 clearly defines the optimal time it should take for fire apparatus to reach an incident. According to Chapter 3, “response time†includes eight distinct elements, with “travel time†defined as the period from when a unit departs for the scene until it arrives. Chapter 4 sets a target of 240 seconds (or four minutes) for the arrival of the first engine company at a fire. But if this guideline is so clear, why do some departments still face public backlash?
One reason is a lack of transparency between fire departments and the media. Some agencies claim full compliance with NFPA 1710, but in reality, they may adjust how they measure travel time, often in ways that don't align with the standard. Since all NFPA documents are publicly available online, journalists can easily verify whether a department is following the rules or bending them.
Another issue arises when departments only use NFPA 1710 for budgeting purposes or when defending themselves against media inquiries. The standard requires fire departments to create an organizational statement explaining their response objectives, including the rationale behind any deviations from the recommended times. These statements must be updated annually and shared with the public.
Additionally, some departments fail to recognize that the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) has the right to adjust NFPA recommendations, provided it’s not required by law. The equivalency clause in Chapter 1 allows for such modifications, meaning travel times can be longer than those outlined in the standard. However, the public must be informed if these changes increase risk, and steps should be taken to mitigate that risk.
So, how fast is fast enough? It depends on the situation, but NFPA 1710 provides a solid foundation for making that decision. Make sure to use the full standard, including the fire propagation curve in Annex A, when setting your response times. Develop a clear organizational statement, be open about any changes you make to your goals, address any potential risks, and share this information with the public regularly—not just during budget season.
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