NFPA Issues Third Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently released the Third Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service, a study that looked at the current needs of the nation's fire departments as compared to those identified in assessments done in 2001 and 2005. The goal of the project was to identify major gaps in the needs of the U.S. fire service and to determine if the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant programs are continuing to reduce the needs of fire departments.

“Fire service needs are extensive across the board, and in nearly every area of need; the smaller the community protected, the greater the need,” said James M. Shannon, president of NFPA, in a prepared statement. “While we are seeing the positive impact of well-targeted grants, there is more to be done to ensure our nation's fire departments are prepared to provide the necessary protection to their communities.”

This report looked at personnel and their capabilities, including staffing, training, certification, and wellness/fitness; facilities and apparatus; personal protective equipment; fire prevention and code enforcement; the ability to handle unusually challenging incidents; and communications and new technologies.

To access the complete NFPA assessment, please visit:

NFPA: Third Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service (June 2011)