According to NIFRS, what percentage of the average fire department's workload is related to firefighting?

The observation that less than 10 percent of the average fire department's workload is attributed to firefighting aligns with current statistics from various fire service studies, including those from the National Institute of Fire and Rescue Services (NIFRS). This percentage highlights the significant diversity of tasks that modern fire departments handle beyond just responding to fires.

Fire departments today often engage in a wide range of activities, including emergency medical services (EMS), fire prevention education, hazardous materials response, technical rescues, and community risk assessment programs. As such, while firefighting remains a crucial element of a fire department's responsibilities, it represents only a small portion of the total call volume and workload.

Understanding this distribution is essential for fire officers as it underscores the importance of resource allocation, training, and strategic planning within fire departments to effectively address the varied demands of their roles. This approach helps in fostering better community relations and enhancing overall public safety.