Current Issues and Trends

As previously mentioned, fire departments are experiencing declining rates of fires. This has led departments to expand their service delivery to EMS and focus increasingly on fire prevention. This trend is not expected to change due to better building codes, building materials, and increases in fire prevention measures. Additionally, since 9/11 fire departments have been focusing more resources on emergency preparedness. Some departments are experimenting with community outreach programs as well.

A second trend is budget constraints. In the past, fire departments were largely exempt from budget cuts, but this is proving to be less true. Fire departments have experienced ‘brown outs’ or the closing of fire departments in recent years. The closing of entire fire stations causes concern for community safety that leads to increased response time. City managers need to work with department heads to reduce budget shortfalls without compromising the safety of any one neighborhood. Expanding service delivery or choosing alternative service delivery are both ways to address budget shortfalls.

A third trend is increasing diversity within the fire departments. Historically, fire services have been a male dominated field. Efforts are being made to make the fire department more representative of the community that it services. Fire departments are recognizing that incorporating diversity has a significant safety impact. As communities themselves grow more diverse, emergency situations can become more complex when first responders face language barriers with residents, or are unaware of sensitive cultural practices.