Fire department management practices [May 1987]

FIRE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS I

Fire Department Management Practices
Prepared by: Georgia Department of Co.-unity Affairs
Jim Higdon, Commissioner
Government Information Division 40 Marietta Street, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303
May , 1987
An Equal Opportunity Bmployer

Fire Depart.ent Manage.ent Practices
Table of Contents

Introduction

i

Municipal Surve7 Results and Anal7sis

1

Suamar7, Population Group A

2

B

3

C

4

D

5

B

6

F

7

G

8

H

9

Municipal Responses Tabulated

10

Count7 Surve7 Results and Anal7sis

14

Summar7, Population Group A

15

B

16

C

17

D

18

B

19

F

20

County Responses Tabulated

21

Appendix List of Counties Responding to Survey List of Municipalities Responding to Survey Survey Questionnaire

Introduction
The Department of Community Affairs conducted a survey in winter 1986-87 of the fire department practices of all Georgia municipalities and counties. The survey is essentially an update of a fire department practices survey conducted in 1978 by the Georgia Municipal Association.
This report summarizes data obtained from questionniares mailed by DCA in November, 1986 to 517 municipalities and 159 counties. A total of 199 municipalities responded, for a response rate of 38 percent. A total of 58 counties responded, for a response rate of 36 percent. Respondents provided information about firefighter crew characteristics, operations, expenditures, problem areas, and regulatory environment.
The report is organized into two major seotions: one which summarizes the data provided by municipalities, the other by counties. Data in the major sections is presented by population groups A through H for municipalities and population groups A through F for counties. The Appendix contains a listing by population group of the cities and counties responding to the survey questionnaire, as well as the survey questionniare itself.
The group population ranges are shown below.
Group Population Ranees

Group

Population Range

Group

Population Range

A

50,000 and Above

B

25,000 - 49,999

C

10,000 - 24,999

D

5,000 - 9,999

B

2,500 - 4,999

F

1,000 - 2,499

G

500 -

999

H

Less than 500

A

100,000 and Above

B

50,000 - 99,999

C

25,000 - 49,999

D

15,000 - 24,999

B

10,000 - 14,999

F

Less than 10,000

The purpose of this summary report is two-fold: to present

the data obtained in the survey, and to provide a descriptive

analysis of the data for each population group which depicts the

important characteristics and operational patterns of the group's

fire departments.

A descriptive analysis summarizing data for

all municipalities combined and for all counties combined is

presented at the beginning of the sections.

Data contained in this report can be used by individual municipalities and counties to compare their fire depart.ent characteristics and operations to municipalities and counties in their respective population groups. Please note that data for

i

questions number 4 (duty schedules) and number 10 (hose sizes) are not included in the tables for the purpose of brevity, but may be obtained from DCA by request.
The Department of Community Affairs wishes to thank all municipalities and counties, their fire departments, managers, clerks, and all other persons who contributed to this report. Please contact Ms. Lynn Thornton at (404) 656-5526 if you have any questions or need additional information.
ii

Municipal Fire Departments

Munioipal Fire Depart.ents
Of the total of 199 oities reporting, fifty peroent ar~ munioipal fire departments, twenty peroent are joint oity-oounty, and five peroent are served by a oounty. The volunteer fire department is the most oommon type, with the oombination of fulitime and volunteer personnel being the seoond most oommon type of department. The department staffed solely with full-time personnel is an exoeption. Volunteers reoeived an average of 8 hours training per month.
The typioal fire department has minimum eduoation requirements for its personnel but does not have residenoy requirements. Munioipalities have adopted a variety of fire safety oodes; the National Fire Code; Life Safety Code; and Southern Standard Code were reported most frequently, but many other oodes are used as well. Approximately 20 peroent of ~he respondents did not report using a speoifio fire oode. Fire inspeotions are oonduoted on the average of twioe annually.
Eighty-five peroent of the jurisdiotions reporting are in oomplianoe with the Georgia statutory requirements for minimum standards for fire departments. Over the past year, the average number of personnel reoeiving training was 26. The annual average of fire oalls for residential fires outnumbered oommeroial oalls three to one.
Of all the needs identified in questions 19 and 27, the overwhelming need identified by respondents is for additional fire-fighting equipment. New stations and additional personnel were also designated as high-ranking needs.
Eighty-five peroent of the responding jurisdiotions pay for uniforms and equipment. Typioally, the fire department budget oonsumes 11 peroent of the total budget. The general fund is by far the most oommon souroe of fire department funding.
Approximately 70 peroent of the respondents indioated that installation of smoke deteotors is not required. Training needs oited most frequently were for oertified instruotors and for hazardous materials (haz-mat) handling. Pumpers and tankers are the most oommon fire-fighting vehioles.
Refleoting a high peroentage of volunteer departments among the respondents, a large number of jurisdiotions do not have speoial fire distriots, and the fire stations are not staffed at all times. Of the respondents reporting a fire insuranoe rating, the average rating is 7.
With regard to duty sohedules, the most oommon sohedule is 24 hours on and 48 hours off.
1

Group A Cities

Three cities with 50,000 and above population responded to the survey. As would be expected for larae municipal fire department operations, data provided by the respondents indicates a high degree of professional training and management.

For example, all of the respondents indicated that fire fighting personnel were solely full-time with no volunteers utilized. All 3 respondents have minimum education requirements, and 2 have residency requirements. All personnel receive regular inservice training. Duty schedules are 24 hours on/48 hours off in each city reporting.

All respondents are in compliance with statutory minimum requirements for fire departments. All departments use at least one fire safety code, and conduct at least one fire inspection annually.

Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls three to

one for the period reported. The average property loss per fire

exceeded $9,500.

A small number of firefighters also provided

emeraency medical services. All 3 departments pay for uniforms

and equipment.

Additional needs indicated by the respondents included new stations, personnel, code enforcement and equipment, and haz-mat trainina.

Average annual expenditures for the reporting period exceeded $6 million. Fire department funding sources included the aeneral fund and service contracts. Expenditures for the 3 respondents averaged 12 percent of the total municipal budget. The average of the current fire insurance ratings is 3.

Installation of smoke detectors is required in new residences in all 3 municipalities. Fire stations are staffed around the clock, and specific fire districts are common. Two of
the 3 respondents have a current operatina manual.

2

Group B Cities
In population Group B (population 25,000 - 49,999), six cities responded to the survey. These departments are staffed by full-time firefighters, and use of volunteers was not reported. However, volunteer training was reported to average 5 hours monthly as a supplement to the full-time force.
One-third of the Group B jurisdictions have residency requirements, and all jurisdictions have minimum education requirements. All firefighters receive regular in-service training supplemented by fire science training. Emergency medical services are also provided by 37 percent of Group B firefighters.
Department operations are characterized by semi-annual fire safety inspections, compliance with statutory requirements for fire departments, use of a variety of fire safety codes, and use of a current operating manual. The average number of fire stations is five, and the stations are staffed at all times. Work schedules are 24 hours on/48 hours off in each city reporting. For the reporting period, residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls at a three to one ratio.
Data for financial and budgetary characteristics reveal the following: departmental expenditures averaged $2.5 million, equipment and uniforms are paid for by the departments, the general fund and service contracts are common sources of departmental funds, and fire expenditures averaged nine percent of total municipal budgets.
Of the major problems faced by the Group B departments, a variety were listed, including new stations, equipment, additional personnel, funding, training, and water system improvements.
Miscellaneous information about Group B fire departments include: two-thirds of the departments do not have special service districts; two-thirds require installation of smoke detectors; and the average fire insurance rating is three.
3

Group C Cities

Eighteen Group C Cities (population 10,000 - 24,999)

responded to the survey. While Group C departments employ full-

time firefighters as a rule, approximately 15 percent of the

firefighter force is comprised of volunteers. The average number

of hours of training per month for volunteers is nine. In Group

C, residency requirements are not commonly imposed, although min-

imum educational requirements are very common. Regular in-

service training is received by all firefighters.

Additional

services provided by fire department personnel include police and

emergency medical.

Department operations are characterized by an annual average of 4 fire safety inspections, compliance with statutory minimum requirements, a higher ratio of commercial fire calls than the all-municipal average, hydrants serviced twice annually, use of a variety of fire safety codes (National Fire Code is most common), and use of a current operating manual. The average number of fire stations is three, and they are staffed at all times. Duty schedules are 24 hours on/48 hours off in almost every Group C City.

Of the most pressing needs indicated by Group C jurisdictions, new equipment, additional personnel, vehicles, and training head the list. Three jurisdictions indicated need for training equipment.

Departmental finances and budget data indicate that average annual expenditures for fire service to be $687,000. All departments pay for uniforms and equipment, which average close to $1,000. Between 1984 and 1985, the total property loss was cut by 50 percent in Group C jurisdictions. The general fund is the most common source of fire services funding, which consumes an average percentage of the total municipal budget higher than the average for all jurisdictions reporting.

Miscellaneous data include an average fire insurance rating of 5, minimal requirements for installation of smoke detectors, and use of a specified fire district radius in 5 of the 18 jurisdictions.

4

Group D Cities
Twenty-five Group D jurisdictions (population 5,000 - 9,999) responded to the survey. It is in this Group that a shift of employment occurs, as volunteers outnumber full-time firefighters by a 5 to 3 ratio. Volunteers receive an average of 4 hours training per month. In Group D, residency require.ents are imposed by one-third of the jurisdictions, and minimum education requirements are imposed in all jurisdictions. Regular inservice or other type of training is provided to all firefighters. In Group D, firefighters provide a limited number of other services, including emergency medical and law enforcement. Duty schedules vary from 24 hours on/48 off to 24/72 and 48/96.
Departmental operations include semi-annual servicing of fire hydrants, use of a variety of fire safety codes (National Fire Code is most common), one annual fire safety inspection, compliance with Georgia minimum standards for fire departments by almost all jurisdictions reporting, and plans for providing additional services (equipment, personnel, stations).
For the reporting period, the number of residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls at a 3 to 1 ratio, and property losses increased from fiscal year 1984 to fiscal year 1985 by approximately $50,000.
Bxpenditure and budget data indicate a Group average departmental expenditure of $208,000. Departments typically pay for uniforms and equipment, at an average estimated cost of $549. The general fund is the most common source of fire department funding. The average percentage of department expenditures was 11 percent of total expenditures, which is the same as the average for all jurisdictions reporting.
Group D respondents listed a large variety of needs. However, new equipment and additional personnel needs dominate the list, followed by new stations and training.
In the miscellaneous category, the average fire insurance rating is 5; installation of smoke detectors is required by less than half of the jurisdictions; and approximately one-third of the jurisdictions utilize a specified fire service radius.
5

Group E Cities

Thirty-six Group E Cities (population 2,500 - 4,999)

responded to the survey. On the average, approximate17 80 per-

cent of firefighters in this Group are volunteers, who receive an

average of 8 hours training per month. Almost half of the

departments have residency requirements, and three-fourths have

minimum education standards. Regular in-service training is

provided to half of the firefighters.

Duty schedules are

predominately 24 hours on/48 off, although other schedules are

used, such as 48/36, 24/24, and 24/72.

Operational characteristics in Group E include servicing of hydrants 3 times annually, use of a large number of fire safety codes (Southern Builders, Southern Standard are most common), an annual average of 2 fire safety inspections, full compliance with Georgia minimum req~irements for fire departments, and possession of current operating manual in 2 out of every 3 departments.

Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls 3 to 1; total property losses between fiscal year 1984 and fiscal year 1985 increased $9,000.

Departmental expenditures for the reporting period averaged $102,000. All departments paid for uniforms and equipment at an average estimated cost of $625. The general fund is the primary funding source of Group E departments. Fire department expenditures as a percent of total expenditures averaged 11 percent, the same as the average of all jurisdictions reporting. The average number of stations is one, and it is staffed at all times in 2 out of every 3 communities. The majority of jurisdictions reporting do not have a special fire district. Installation of smoke detectors is required in a handful of communities. The average fire insurance rating is six.

As is typical of needs indicated by fire departments in all eight population groups. Group E jurisdictions need new equipment and additional personnel, along with new stations, firefighting vehicles, funding, and water system improvements. Approximately half of the communities express a need for additional training.

6

Group F Cities
Forty-three Group F jurisdictions (population range 1,000 2,499) responded to the survey. In this Group, a pronounced shift to use of volunteer firefiahters occurs. Volunteer training averages 7 hours per month. Communities in Group F typically have neither residency requirements nor minimum education stanaards. On the average, one-third of firefighter crew members receive regular in-service training. Group F firefiahters typically do not provide other services, such as EMC or law enforcement. Duty schedules vary considerably: 24/48; 24/24; 8/16; 48/48; and 12/12.
Departmental operations are typified by hydrant inspections three times a year, use of a variety of fire safety codes, fire safety inspections twice a year, compliance with Georgia statutory minimum requirements, and possession of a current operations manual.
Almost ninety percent of fire alarms during the reporting period were for residences. Between fiscal years 1984 and 1985, property losses due to fire decreased $22,000 on the average.
For the reporting period, departmental expenditures averaged $25,565. Almost all communities pay for uniforms and equipment, which cost an averaae of $593. Fund sources were dominated by the general fund, yet there is an increased incidence of donations and fund raising efforts in this Group. Fire department expenditures as a percent of total expenditures are lower than the average percentage for all jurisdictions (7~ versus 11~, all cities).
Of the top 5 problems faced by the departments, the need for new equipment was very common, followed by new stations, training, personnel, and new vehicles. Approximately half of the departments express a need for further training, particularly for instructor certification and hazardous materials handling.
The average number of fire stations is two, and the stations are not typically staffed around the clock. Approximately half of Group F communities employ a special fire service district.
7

Group G Cities

It is in Group G (population range 500 - 999; 30 reporting)

that a shift to a total volunteer force occurs. Volunteers in

this Group receive an average of 5 hours training per month.

Group G communities typically do not have residency requirements

or minimum education standards for firefighters. Emergency medi-

cal and law enforcement services are provided by a small number

of firefighters.

Duty schedules typically are for a straight

twenty-four hour period; respondents did not list a specific

"off" period.

Departmental operations are typified by servicing of fire hydrants 5 times a year, limited use of fire safety codes, two fire safety inspections per year, compliance with Georgia statutory minimum requirements, and limited plans for additional fire protection services.

Department expenditures for the reporting period averaged '7,395. Two out of every 3 communities pay for uniforms and equipment, at an average cost of $494. The general fund is the major source of fire services funding, followed by donations and fund raising. The average percentage of fire services expenditures as a percent of the total municipal budget is twice that of all jurisdictions reporting (22% ~or Group G, 11% for all jurisdictions).

Of the top 5 problems expressed by respondents, the need for new equipment headed the list, followed by new trucks, training~ and water system improvements.

Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls 26 to 2. Between fiscal years 1984 and 1985, property losses caused by fire remained at the same level.

As a rule, installation of smoke detectors is not required in Group G communities. The average number of stations is three; the stations are not staffed at all times. One-third of the communities have a special fire district.

8

Group H Cities
Thirty-three Group H cities (population less than 500) responded to the survey. As with Group G firefighters, volunteers dominate the Group G crews. An average of 8 hours training per month is received. Residency and minimum education requirements are not comaon. Duty schedules reported include a straight 24 hour schedule, 24/48, and 8/16.
Fire service operations in Group G are characterized by minimum use of fire safety codes, two annual fire safety inspections, servicing of fire hydrants twice a year, general compliance with minimum State requirements for fire departments, and possession of a current operating manual in 50 percent of the communities.
Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls on the average of 14 to 1. Property losses between fiscal years 1984 and 1985 decreased from $16,524 to $9,603 (average property loss for Group).
Need for new equipment dominated the top 5 problems listed by respondents, followed by need for additional personnel, new trucks, water system improvements, and training.
Department expenditures averaged $33,903 for the reporting period. The majority of Group G communities pay for uniforms and equipment, which averaged $380. Expenditures for fire servrces as a percent of the total budget were lower for Group G communities (8%) than the percentage for all jurisdictions reporting (11%). Although the general fund is the dominant source of funds for fire services, fund raising and donations are relied upon as well.
The average fire insurance rating is 8 for communities reporting; installation of smoke detectors is required in a handful of communities; fire stations as a rule are not staffed around the clock; approximately half of the communities have a special fire district.
9

Municipal Responses Tabulated

R~SvLiS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT SURVEY

~ll CliIES CITY A B C D E F G H

QUESTION 1. NUHBER OF JURISDICTIONS REPORTING

NIJH8ER

11919

3

6 18 25 36 43 30 33

QUESTION 2. NUH8ER OF FIREFIGHTERS?

NUH8ER OF FULL-TIHE FIREFIGHTERS (AVERAGElIB 219

NU"8ER OF VOLUNTEERS (AVERAGE)

27

0

75 28 06

11 5 1 0 . 1 17 18 20 13 14

QUESTION 3. NUH8ER ALL FIREFIGHTERS (AVERAGE) FEHALE (AVERAGE NUH8ERI

45

219

1.

1

QUESTION 5. NUHBER OF TRAINING HOURS FOR VOLUNTEERS

NUHBER OF HOURS PER HONTH

8

0

89 30 03
56

QUESTION 6. NUH6ER OF HYDRANTS

AVERAGE NUHBER

490

3700 1365 561

QUESTION 7. HYDRANTS, DISTANCE IN FEET

AVERAGE DISTANCE

655

500 570 633

QUESTION 8. HYDRANTS, ANNUAL SERVICE

ANNUAL AVERAGE

3

222

QUESTION 9. RESIDENCY REQUIREHENTS

YES

67

NO

149

HINIHUH EDUCATION REQUIREHENTS?

YES

124

NO

96

224 1 3 12

3 5 16

0

0

2

QUESTION 11. NAHES OF FIRE SAFETY CODES (NUHBER REPORTING USE OF) .

AlA

11

0 2 ..

AHERICAN STANDARD GEORGIA, STATE OF LIFE SAFETY

6

0

00

15

1

02

31

1

23

LOCAL CODE NATIONAL FIRE CODE

1

0

00

43

1

38

051

2

0

01

SOOTUHTEHRERN BUILDERS SOUTHERN STANDARD FIRE CODE UNKNOIIN NO ANSIIER

41

0

34

27

2

12

. 28

D .1 2

7

0

00

37

0

00

NONE

43

0

00

30 23 22 16 18

01

11

4 B7 5 8

335 236 92 53 57

55B 634 676 568 728

2 3352

8 16 11 5 4 13 18 22 17 22
21 27 12 6 4 0 6 23 17 20

2

l' 0 0

1 2 2 00

0 4 1 13

8 3 4 20

0 1 0 00

10 5 4 1 0

0 0 0 01

4 6 5 23

3 7 5 11

7 7 3 11

0 1 1 13

0 3 12 9 8 1 4 5 9 '8

10

RESULTS ~F FIRE OEPARTHE~T SURVEy

ALL CITIES ~ITY A B C D E F G H

QUESTION 12. TITLE OF FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

CHIEF

71

1 1 3 12 15 11 4 7

CAPTAIN

71

1

1 3 12 15 11

4

~ I

LIEUTENANT

10 0 0 2 0 3 2 0

FIRE MARSHALL

16

1 2 5 1 10 0V

OTHER

49

0 2 5 9 6 10 1 4

QUESTION 13. FREQUENCY OF .REGULAR FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS (PER YEAR)

ANNUAL AVERAGE

2 \ 2 41 2 222

QUESTION 14. COMPLIANCE WITH GEORGIA MINIMUM STANDARDS

YES NO NO RESPONSE

170 3 5 18 22 35 35 26 24 7 0 0 0 0 0 3- 0 3 22 0 1 O 3 1 5 4 6

QUESTION 15. NUMBER OF PERSONNEL RECEIVING TRAINING IAVERAGE NUMBERS)

REGULAR IN-SERVICE FIRE SCIENCE OTHER

20 219 74 29 25 17 3 90 3 1 2 2 3 0 8 5,. 4 2

QUESTION 16. NUMBER OF FIRE CALLS (ANNUAL AVERAGE)

RESIDENTIAL COMI1ERICAL

61 1348 134 106 67 36 19 487 46 46 22 11

STREET ALARM BOXES

4 207 10 1 0 1

.14 9 8

2
4

2..,

2...,

24 26 14 3 21 0 00

QUESTION 17. APPROXIMATE AVERAGE PROPERTY LOSS

LOSS PER FIRE

S 4343 9524 31520 1384 1015 2475 61BO 5193 2112

TOTAL PROPERTY LOSS, FY 'B4 $ 130016 1967842 638453256951 19787069067 49429 '46997 16524

TOTAL PROPERTY LOSS, FY 'B5 $ 1704093206666 170682411119624800578765 27283 45507 9603

QUESTION lB. AVERAGE NUMBER OF FIREFIGHTERS PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SERVIC;S (i* AVERAGES iil

EMS POLICE OTHER

5 10 33 3 5 5 6 2 2 10 0 3 1 1 11 0 10 3 1 1 1 20 1

QUESTION 19. PLANS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICES

ADO. EQUIPMENT

23 0 0 2 3

ADD. PERSONNEL

11 0 0 2 4

ADD. VEHICLES

70 0 0 1

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESCUE

70 0 0 1

FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

20 0 1 0

FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

10 0 0 0 1

NEW STATION

17 2 0 2 3

NONE

35 1 2 5 5

WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

10 0 0 0 0

OTHER

32 0 1 ' 1 5

3 627

2 201

1 103

1 103

0 100

0 6 12

7 7 1

3
8 1

0
..5,.

..0,.
6

5 65B

QUESTION 20. DEPARTMENT PAYS FOR UNIFORMS ANt EQUIPMENT?

YES

170 3 5 18 22

NO

12 0 0 0 o.

NO RESPONSE

17 0 1 0 3

35 38 23 22 0 2 46 1 3 35

11

ALL CITIES CITY A

B

C

DE F G

H

QUESTION 21. ESTIMATED COST OF UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

AVERAGE ESTIMATED COST

$

594

846

580 981 549 625 593 494 380

QUESTION 22. TOTAL ANNUAL EXPENDITURES FOR FIRE SERVICES

AVERAGE ANNUAL COST

$ 350233 6295936 2455000 687544 208631102210 25565 7395 33903

SOURCES OF FUNDS CONTRACT DONATIONS FIRE SERVICE SUBSCRIPTION FUND RAISING GENERAL FUND OTHER

16

2

26

0

60

23

0

135

1.

15

O.

2

12

4 12 2

a a 1 0 4 8 10

0 1 0 0 20 2

0

0 0 0 57 9

4 13 18 29 32 17 19

1 2 1 3 34 0

QUESTION 23. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES AS PERCENT OF TOTAL BUDGET

AVERAGE PERCENT

11

12

9 13 11 11 7 22 B

QUESTION 24. DOES DEPT. HAVE UP-TO-DATE OPERATING MANUAL?

YES

108 2

5

NO

70 1

0

NO RESPONSE

0

0

0

11 18 64 00

22 21 13 14 13 16 14 14
0 0 aa

QUESTION 25. CURRENT FIRE INSURANCE RATING

AVERAGE (FOR THOSE REPORTING)

73

3

5 5 67 88

QUESTION 26. REQUIRE INSTALLATION OF SMOKE DETECTORS

YES

34 3

NO

142 0

NO RESPONSE

22 0

IF YES, REQUIRED OF NEW RESIDENCES ONLY?

YES

34 3

NO

24 0

NO RESPONSE

141 0

4 5 7 6 4 14 1 13 13 29 35 25 23 1 0 4 1 4 46

3

3 10 4 4 2 4

0

4 4 5 4 1b

3 11 11 27 35 27 23

12

ALL CITIES CITY A B C D E F G H

QUESTION 27. TOP FIVE PROBLEMS FACED BY DEPARTMENT (NOT LISTED IN ORDERl

NUMBER RESPONDING TO EACH

ADDITIONAL FUNDING ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL CODE ENFORCEMENT FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION NEIi EQUIPMENT NEll STATION NEIi TRUCK RADIO OPERATORS TRAINING IiATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS OTHER

26

0

59

3

21

6

0

114

1

36

0

38

0

70

41

0

36

0

- 96 \ 3

2 2 17 4 2 5

3 9 13 14 6 3 8

00

00

00

1

0 1 3- 1 0 1 0

3 13 15 20 22 17 19

3 4 7 1 12 3 0

1 6 39 55 7

0

1

00

22 2

1 6 7 10 7 4 5

1
3

2
12

37
10 15

... 10 4 6

17 17

1:

QUESTION ZB. PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING NEEDS (NUMBER RESPONDING TO EACH)

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS GEORGIA FIRE ACADEMY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HANDLING LEADERSHIP, COMMAND NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY TRAINING EQUIPMENT OTHER

17 2 14

0

0

1 33 5 2 3

0

0

0 11 00 0

1

0

2 31 32 2

9
1 B 63

1
0
0
1

1 0 0 4

1 01 12 1 0 0 0 10 0 3 0 1 11 1 3 10 10 15 10 10

QUESTION 29. NUMBER REPORTING EACH OF THE FOLLOIiING TYPES

COMBINATION FIREKNOCKER HOSE WAGON LADDER PUMPER RESCUE VEHICLE SNORKEL TANKER TRUCK, GENERAL OTHER

33 28 1 10 122

2

1

2 69 72 3

0

0

2 15 36 9

0

1

0 0 0 00 0

0

2

5

1 200

0

1 4 11 12 25 26 19 21

20 1

0 0

2

3

4 452

0

0

1 0 000

0

92
54 52

1

3

8 12 15 23 13 16

2

0

7 6 6 14 5 12

2

1

4 7 6 14 7 10

QUESTION 30. AVERAGE NUMBER OF FIRE STATIONS

AVERAGE NUMBER

2

10

ARE STATIONS STAFFED AT ALL TIMES?

YES

81

3

NO

91

0

NO RESPONSE

27

0

5

3

2

1

~
L

3

~
L

5
0

16 1

17 3

24 8 4 11 28 21

~
'"
24

1 1 5 17 5 6

QUESTION 31. DOES JURISDICTION HAVE SPECIAL FIRE DISTRICTS?

YES NO SPECIFIED RADIUS GMD - GEORGIA MILITIA DISTRICT SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT OTHER
NO RESPONSE

69

2

1 5 9 11 13 12 14

83

1

4 11 9 21 16 10 11

55

2

1 5 8 10 8 9 10

1

0

00

0 00 0

1

0 8

0 0

00

0

0

0 0

000 22 2

.0,
~

22

0

0 I2 2 3 6 5 2

13

Count7 Fire Departments
Fift7-eiaht counties responded to the fire department surve7. Of this aroup, seventeen fire departments are reported as joint municipal-count7 operations. A little over 50 percent of the departments are strict17 volunteer, nine are full-time, and fifteen are joint volunteer and full-time operations. Volunteers receive an average of 14 hours training month17. On the average, twent7 percent of all count7 firefighters provide emergenc7 medicalor other services. Dut7 schedules are dominated b7 the 24 hours on/48 hours off schedule, but other schedules (48/48, 8/16, 24/24, and 24/72) are also used.
Fire services are characterized b7 servicing of fire h7drants twice a 7ear, minimum education standards but not residenc7 requirements, use of a variet7 of fire safet7 codes, one fire inspection annual17, and general compliance with Georgia statutor7 requirements for fire department operations.
Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls b7 a 7 to 1 ratio for the counties reporting. Propert7 losses on the averaae increased approximate17 '100,000 between fiscal 7ears 1984 and 1985.
Bxpenditures for fire services averaged slight17 over 11 million. The majorit7 of counties reporting defray the cost of firefighter uniforms and equipment, which averaged ,649. The general fund is the most common source of fire services funding, which is supplemented by donations and fund raisina. Fire department expenditures as a percent of total budaet averaged 9 percent.
Of the top 5 problems expressed b7 respondents, needs for new equipment head the list, followed b7 additional personnel, funding, new stations, and water s7stem improvements. A large variety of training needs are also indicated.
Approximately two-thirds of the counties responding do not require installation of smoke detectors. The average fire insurance rating is 8. Two out of every three fire stations are not staffed around the clock. Approximately half of the responding counties use a special fire district.
14

County Fire Departments

Group A Counties

Six Group A Counties (population range 100,000 and above) responded to the survey. Fire departments in this Group are
full-time operations with minimum use of volunteers. Volunteer training averages 2 hours per month. Approximately 50 percent of Group B firefighters also provide emergency medical services.
Regular in-service training is provided to all firefighters. Residency requirements are not common within this Group, but minimum education requirements are imposed by all reporting counties. Duty schedules are 24 hours on/48 hours off in every county.

Group A fire department operations are characterized by semi-annual servicing of fire hydrants, use of more than one fire safety code by each department, one fire safety inspeotion conducted per year, compliance with Georgia's statutory minimum requirements for fire departments, and possession of a current operational manual.

Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial alarms on a 6 to 1 basis. Between fiscal years 1984 and 1985, property losses increased almost $500,000 on the average.

Of the top 5 problems expressed by Group A counties, need for new equipment, new stations, additional personnel, additional fundin., and water system improvements headed the list. Training needs did not rank high.

Total annual expenditures for fire services averaged $5.3

million dollars. All respondent counties pay for uniforms and

equipment, at an average estimated cost of $1,221. The general

fund is the primary source of fire services funding.

Fire

department expenditures as a percent of total budget averaged 10

percent.

The average current fire insurance rating for the oounties reporting this data item is 4. Half of the reporting counties require installation of smoke detectors.

15

County Group B

Ten Group B counties (population range 50,000 - 99,999) responded to the survey. In this Group, volunteers outnumbered full-time firefighters 2 to 1. Volunteers receive an average of 6 hours training per month. Minimum education requirements are typical for this Group, but residency requirements are not. The 24/48 duty schedule is quite common among the Group B counties.

Operations typically include annual servicing of fire hydrants, use of the National Fire Code and Life Safety Code, one fire safety inspection per year, compliance with Georgia's statutory requirements for fire departments, and possession of a
current operating manual.

Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls at a 5 to 1 ratio. Property losses increased on the average approximately $150,000 between fiscal years 1984 and 1985.

Total annual expenditures for fire services averaaed a little over $1 million for the Group B counties. Eight of ten departments defray the cost, of uniforms and equipment. The general fund is the major source of fire services funding. Fire department expenditures as a percent of total budget averaae 7 percent.

Of the top 5 problems expressed by respondents, need for new equipment, additional personnel, new stations, additional funding, and "other" head the list. Every type of training is needed by departments in this Group.

For counties reporting, the average fire insurance rating is

6.

The average number of stations is eight, most of which are

staffed at all times. Half of the responding counties have a

special fire district.

16

Group C Counties
A total of 13 Group C counties (population range 25,000 49,999) responded to the survey. In Group C fire departments, the overwhelming nuaber of firefighters are volunteers, and they receive an average of 7 hours of training per month. Residency requirements are not typical for firefighters, but .inimu. education requirements are common. The 24 on/48 oft duty schedule is used by all but one county supplying this data item.
Operations are characterized by servicing of fire hydrants three times per year, use of the National Fire Code and Georgia State Code, one fire safety inspection annually, compliance with statutory minimum requirements for fire departments, and possession of a current operating manual.
Total annual expenditures for fire services averaged $609,000. All respondent counties but one pay for uniforms and equipment at an estimated average cost of $700. The general fund is the major source of funding, supplemented by donations and fund raising. Fire department expenditures as a percent of total budget averaged 7 percent.
Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls at an 11 to 1 pace. Property losses from fire doubled between fiscal years 1984 and 1985.
The top 5 problems expressed by respondents are need for new equipment, additional personnel, additional funding, new stations, and additional vehicles. Training needs include instructor certification, command leadership, and Georgia Fire Academy.
The average number of fire stations is 7. Less than half of the stations are staffed at all times.
One-third of the Group C counties require installation of smoke detectors. The average fire insurance rating reported is 8. About halt of the counties have a special fire service district.
17

Group D Counties
Six Group D counties (population range 15,000 - 24,999) responded to the survey. In this Group, ninety-nine percent of firefighters are volunteers. One-third of the counties require residency for firefighters, and half require a ainimum education. Fifty percent of the firefighters receive regular in-service training. Additional services such as emergency medical or law enforcement are not provided by the firefighters. The 24 on/48 off duty schedule is the most common type.
Typical Group D fire services include semi-annual servicing of fire hydrants, use of a variety of fire safety codes, regular fire safety inspections twice a year, compliance with Georgia statutory requirements for fire departments, and possession of a current operating manual by one-third of the departments.
Residential fire calls outnumbered commercial calls at an 11 to 1 ratio. Property losses increased $20,000 between fiscal years 1984 and 1985.
Average annual expenditures for fire services were approximately $100,000. Half of the counties responding pay for uniforms and equipment at an average estimated cost of $588. The general fund is the major source of funding. Fire department expenditures as a percent of the total budget averaged 6 percent.
Of the major problems expressed by respondents, new equipment, personnel, and fire stations headed the list.
The current fire insurance average rating for the counties reporting this data item is 9. The average number of fire stations is 6, and they are not typically staffed at all times. None of the respondent counties has a special fire district.
18

Group B Counties
Twelve Group B counties (population range 10,000 - 14,999) responded to the survey. These departments use volunteers almost exolusively, who reoeive an average of 11 hours of training per month. Neither residency nor minimum education requirements are common in this group. Less than 10 peroent of the firefighters provide other services such as emergency medical. Duty sohedules reported include 24/48, 48/48, and 8/16.
Group B operations typically include semi-annual inspeotion of hydrants, one annual fire safety inspection, compliance with Georgia's statutory minimum requirements, and use of fire safety codes by half of the counties.
Ninety-five percent of the fire calls reported were for residences. Between fiscal years 1984 and 1985, property losses decreased approximately $70,000.
Total annual expenditures for fire services averaged $71,000. The majority of Group B counties pay for uniforms and equipment at an average cost of $489. The general fund is the primary funding source, followed by donations. Fire department expenditures as a percent of the total budget averaged 3 percent.
The average fire insurance rating is 11 for counties reporting this data item. None of the counties require& installation of smoke detectors. The average number of stations is 5, and they are typically not staffed at all times. Less than half of the counties have a special fire district.
Of the major problems indicated by respondents, need for new equipment, new stations, and additional funding, personnel, and training were cited. Group B respondents expressed a limited need for training.
19

Group F Counties

Bleven Group F counties (population ranae less than 10,000) responded to the survey. These departments are comprised almost entirely of volunteers, who receive an averaae of 9 hours trainina monthly. Residency or minimum education requirements are not common in this group. Few firefiahters provide other services such as law enforcement or emergency medical. The typical duty schedule is 24 on/48 off.

Fire operations in the group are characterized by semi'annual servicing of hydrants, minimum statutory requirements for
fire departments, and use of a current operating manual by 5 of the departments.

Residential fire alarms outnumbered commercial calls 15 to 1. Average annual property loss decreased $20,000 between fiscal years 1984 and 1985.

Total annual expenditures for fire services averaged '26,000. Half of the Group F counties pay for uniforms and equipment at an average cost of $368. The general fund is the primary fundina source, followed by fund raisina, donations, contract services, and subscriptions.

The most frequently cited needs include new equipment, additional personnel, fundina, and water system improvements. Training needs identified are not confined to any particular type.

Fire stations averaae 4 in number, and are rarely staffed at

all times. About half of the Group F counties use a special fire

service district.

Installation of smoke detectors is not

required by any of the counties.

20

County Responses Tabulated

RESULTS OF fIRE uPARTMENT SuRVEY

ALL COUNTIES COUNTY ABC 0 E F

QUESTION 1. NUMlER OF JURISDICTIONS REPORTING

NUMBER

.~8

6

10 13 6 12 11

QUESTION 2. NUMBER OF FIREFIGHTERS?

NUMBER OF FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTERS (AVERAGE)41 275

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS (AVERAGE)

70

3

44 17 2 2 1 105 90 109 60 42

QUESTION 3. NUMBER ALL FIREFIGHTERS (AVERAGE) FEMALE (AVERAGE NUMBER)

lOB 266 148 102 111 56 45

3

2

2 6 5 22

QUESTION 5. NUMBER OF TRAINING HOURS FOR VOLUNTEERS

NUMBER OF HOURS PER MONTH

14

2

6 7 8 11 9

QUESTION 6. NUMBER OF HYDRANTS

AVERAGE NUMBER

1346 7556 977 816 237 62 51

QUESTION 7. HYDRANTS, DISTANCE IN FEET

AVERAGE DISTANCE

726

567 843 747 875 620 700

QUESTION B. HYDRANTS, ANNUAL SERVICE

ANNUAL AVERAGE

2

2

3222

QUESTION 9. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

YES

14

NO

38

MINIMUM EDUC~TION REQUIREMENTS?

YES

29

NO

25

1 3 32 3 2 5 6 94 7 7

6 7 B3 2 3

0

2 439 7

QUESTION 11. NAMES OF FIRE SAFETY CODES (HUMBER REPORTING USE OF)

AlA

1

1 0 0 00 0

AMERICAN STANDARD

1

1 0 0 00 0

GEORGIA, STATE OF

3

0

0 2 01 0

LIFE SAFETY

B

4

3 0 10 0

LOCAL CODE

0

0

0 0 00 0

NATIONAL FIRE CODE

11

2

3 4 02 0

051

0

0

0 0 00 0

OTHER

13

2

2 3 32 1

SOUTHERN BUILDERS

5

2 1 1 10 0

SOUTHERN STANDARD FIRE CODE

6

1 2 2 010

UNKNOWN

1

0

0 0 00 1

NO ANSWER

3

0

2 0 00 1

NONE

15

0 3 1 16 4

21

ALL COUNTIES COUN.TY A B C D

QUESTION 12. TITLE OF FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

CHIEF

16

4

43 2

CAPTAIN LIEUTENANT

16 1

4
0

4 1

~
"
0

2
0

FIRE MARSHALL

6

2

130

OTHER

12

1

142

E
2.,,
00 00
40

QUESTION 13. FREQUENCY OF REGULAR FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS (PER YEAR)

ANNUAL AVERAGE

1

1

1 12

QUESTION 14. COHPLIANCE WITH GEORGIA MINIMUM STANDARDS

YES

50

5

NO

3

0

NO RESPONSE

5

1

10 12 5 0 10 0 01

9

9

11

Z1

QUESTION 15. NUMBER OF PERSONNEL RECEIVING TRAINING (AVERAGE NUHBERS)

REGULAR IN-SERVICE

86

275

128 a8 55 36 14

FIRE SCIENCE

5

13

2 65 0 8

OTHER

8

6

9 10 12 7 5

QUESTION 16. NUMBER OF FIRE CALLS (ANNUAL AVERAGE)

RESIDENTIAL

1B7

1077

COMHERICAL

25

176

STREET ALARM BOXES

0

0

104 117 111 84 15 19 10 8 4 1 0 00 0 0

QUESTION 17. APPROXIMATE AVERAGE PROPERTY LOSS

LOSS PER FIRE

S 103499 527450

TOTAL PROPERTY LOSS. FY '&4 S 609298 223i464

TOTAL PROPERTY LOSS, FY 'S5 $ 704250 2718322

104686 1300 7401 140h8 3680 1290102 170452 119029 404765 46023
1348475399187 1411183'14025 26127

QUESTION 18. AVERAGE NUMBER OF FIREFIGHTERS PROVIDIN. ADDITIONAL .SERVICES (** AVERAGES ~*I

EHS

23

129

33 12 0 5 ..,

POLICE

0

0

0 00 0

1

OTHER

2

1

7 10 3

0

QUESTION 19. PLANS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICES ,

ADD. EQIHPHENT

11

0

ADD. PERSONNEL

5

0

ADD. VEHICLES

1

0

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESCUE

1

0

FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

2

0

FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

3

1

NEW STATION

22

3

NONE

2

0

WATER SYSTEH IHPROVEMENTS

1

0

OTHER

11

2

1 4 ,.,

2

2

0 32 0

0

0 10 0 0

0 10 0 0

0 10 1 0

0 00 1

6 51

5

2

2 00 0 0

0 00 0 1

1 41 2 1

QUESTION 20. DEPARTMENT PAYS FOR UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT?

YES NO NO RESPONSE

42

6

8 12 3 8 5

11

0

2 11

2

t
,J

5

0

0 02 2

QUESTION 21. ESTIMATED COST OF UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

AVERAGE ESTIMATED COST

S 649

1221

496 703 588 489 368

22

ALL COUNTIES COUNTY A B G D E

QUESTION 2:. TOTAL ANNUAL EXPENDITURES FOR FIRE SERVICES

AvERAGE ANNUAL COST

S 10502b3 5320243 1041050 609729 10108i 71088 26220

SOURCES OF FUNDS

CONTRACT DONATIONS FIRE SERVICE SUBSCRIPTION FUND RAISING GENERAL FUND OTHER

0

0

0 000

0

9

0

1 214 1

2

0

1

00

ij

1

3

0

0 20 0 1

40

5

7 93 9 7

16

2

3 31 3 4

QUESTION 23. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES AS PERCENT OF TOTAL BUDGET

AVERAGE PERCENT

9

10

7

76 3

4

QUESTION 24. DOES DEPT. HAVE UP-TO-DATE OPERATING MANUAL?

YES

34

5

7

NO

19

0

3

NO RESPONSE

0

0

0

926 5 425 5
0 0 o- 0

QUESTION 25. CURRENT FIRE INSURANCE RATING

AVERAGE (FOR THOSE REPORTING)

8

4

7 8 9 11

QUESTION 26. REQUIRE INSTALLATION OF SMOKE DETECTORS

YES

14

3

NO

39

2

NO RESPONSE

5

1

IF YES, REQUIRED OF NEW RESIDENCES ONLY?

YES

11

1

NO

9

2

NO RESPONSE

38

3

6 4 10 0

4

9 ;) 11 10

0

0 21 1

6 3 10 0

0

3

0

~
L

~
L

4

7 5 10 ?

QUESTION 27. TOP FIVE PROBLEMS FACED BY DEPARTMENT (NOT LISTED IN ORDER)

NUMBER RESPONDING TO EACH

ADDITIONAL FUNDING

18

3

3

6

23

ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL

25

4

5

7 32 4

CODE ENFORCEMENT

3

0

0

1 02 0

FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION

3

1

1

0 00 1

NEil EQUIPMENT

37

5

8

8 46 6

NEil STATION

18

5

4

3 33 0

NEW TRUCK

5

0

1

3 00 1

RADIO OPERATORS

2

0

0

200 0

TRAINING

7

2

1

102 1

WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

11

2

2

2 3 0 2

OTHER

36

5

9 10 3 5 4

QUESTION 28. PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING NEEDS (NUM8ER RESPONDING TO EACH)

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

6

0

1 3 0 11

GEORGIA FIRE ACADEMY

4

0

1 2 0 01

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HANDLING

2

0

1

0

0

01

LEADERSHIP, COMMAND

6

1

2

3 0 00

NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY

1

0

1

0 0 00

TRAINING EQUIPMENT OTHER

3

1

22

4

1

0 1 00

3 6 4 23

23

ALL CGUNTIES COUNTY A B C D E F

QUESTION 29. NUMBER REPORTING EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES

COMBINATION

7

1

1

1

1

~
I.

1

FIREKNOCKER

23

1

2 537 5

HOSE WAGON

0

0

0 000 0

LADDER

3

2

0 100 0

PUllPER

39

6

8 838 6

RESCUE VEHICLE

11

4

1 41 1 0

SNORKEL

1

1

0 00 0 0

TANKER

24

3

6 51 5 4

TRUCK, GENERAL

13

2

1

42 2

?
~

OTHER

22

4

5 51 5 2

QUESTION 30. AVERAGE NUMBER OF FIRE STATIONS

AVERAGE NUMBER

7

16

ARE STATIONS STAFFED AT ALL TIMES?

YES

20

6

NO

33

0

NO RESPONSE

5

0

8

76 5

.A,

6 51 1 1 3 8 3 10 9

1

02

11

QUESTION 31. DOES JURISDICTION HAVE SPECIAL FIRE DISTRICTS?

YES

25

4

5

60 5

5

NO

24

2

4

44 6

4

SPECIFIED RADIUS

1B

3

5

50 4

1

GMD - GEORGIA MILITIA DISTRICT

0

0

0

00 0

0

SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT

3

0

0

20 0

1

OTHER

7

1

0

20 1

3

NO RESPONSE

2

0

0

20 0

0

24

I Appendix I

LIST OF COUNTIES RESPONDr~G TO FIRE SURVEY

1984

POP ESTIMATED

COUNTY

GROUP POPULATION

--------------------------------------------

GROUP A

BIBB

A

156,843

CLAYTON

A

162,634

DEKALB

A

501,871

FULTON

A

614,838

GWINNETT

A

230,277

RICHMOND

A

187,569

GROUP B CHEROKEE CLARKE DOUGLAS GLYNN HOUSTON LOWNDES SPALDING TROUP WALKER WHITFIELD

B

62,778

B

76,420

B

63,430

B

59,285

B

83,677

B

71,799

B

50,752

B

52,612

B

55,434

B

67,680

GROUP C BALDWIN BARTOW BULLOCH DECATUR FAYETTE HENRY JACKSON LAURENS LIBERTY NEWTON
POLK ROCKDALE THOMAS

C

37,873

C

43,412

C

36,982

C

26,416

C

39,486

C

42,209

C

26,803

C

38,012

C

40,993

C

38,074

C

33,018

C

42,957

C

38,180

GROUP D APPLING CHATTOOGA CRISP HARALSON HARRIS MERIWETHER

D'

16,274

D

21,454

D

20,110

D

19,361

D

16,205

D

20,787

GROUP E BRYAN COOK

E

11,769

E

13,814

DCA - GID

PAGE 1

LIST OF COUNTIES RESPONDING TO FIRE SURVEY

COUNTY
DOOLY EARLY GILMER
LEE
LUMPKIN MONROE MORGAN PICKENS SCREVEN WILKES
GROUP F BANKS CLAY CRAWFORD ECHOLS GLASCOCK JASPER LINCOLN MILLER TALIAFERRO UNION WHEELER

POP GROUP
E
E E E E E E E E E

1984 ESTIMATED POPULATION
10,666 13,158 11,683 13,605 11,784 14,886 12,103 12,981 14,331 11,278

F

9,697

F

3,335

F

7,.210

F

2,248

F

2,343

F

7,709

F

6,859

F

6,849

F

1,997

F

10,349

F

5,078

DCA - GID

PAGE 2

LIST OF MUNICIPALITIES RESPONDING TO FIRE SURVEY

1984

POP ESTIMATED

MUNICIPALITY

GROUP POPULATION

--------------------------------------------

GROUP A

ALBANY

A

84,970

COLUMBUS

A

174,824

SAVANNAH

A

145,014

GROUP B ATHENS COLLEGEPARK LAGRANGE MARIETTA ROME
WARNERROBINS

B

4:2,545

B

23,603

B

25,846

B

38,591

B

30,183

B

44,396

GROUP C AMERICUS BAINBRIDGE BRUNSWICK CARROLLTON COVINGTON DUBLIN FORESTPARK GAINESVILLE HINESVILLE MOULTRIE NEWNAN SMYRNA THOMASTON THOMASTON THOMASVILLE TIFTON VIDALIA WAYCROSS

C

16,489

C

10,988

C

19,099

C

17,164

C

12,114

C

16,567

C

18,374

C

15,241

C

15,215

C

15,508

C

13,498

C

21,898

C

9,848

C

9,848

C

18,352

C

13,901

C

10,960

C

19,035

GROUP D BLAKELY BUFORD CALHOUN CAMILLA CARTERSVILLE CEDARTOWN COCHRAN CONYERS DAWSON DORAVILLE DOUGLASVILLE EASTMAN

D

5,824

D

7,669

D

6,070

D

5,477

D

9,176

D

8,834

D

5,050

D

7,217

D

5,623

D

7,041

D

9,052

D

5,101

DCA - GID

PAGE 1

LIST OF MUNICIPALITIES RESPONDING TO FIRE SURVEY

1984

POP ESTIMATED

MUNICIPALITY

GROUP POPULATION

--------------------------------------------

ELBERTON

D

5,i86

FORTVALLEY

D

8,599

FT.OGLETHORPE

D

5,1;2

GARDENCITY

D

8,612

KENNESAW

D

7,131

MONTEZUMA

D

5,177

PERRY

D

10,280

RIVERDALE

D

7,551

ST.MARYS

D

5,938

SYLVESTER

D

5,888

THOMSON

D

7,255

TOCCOA

D

8,658

UNIONCITY

D

5,508

GROUP E

ACWORTH

E

4,786

ALMA

E

4,035

ALPHARETTA

E

3,828

ASHBURN

E

4,832

AUSTELL

E

3,941

BARNESVILLE

E

4,843

BLACKSHEAR

E

3,504

CANTON

E

3,923

CHATSWORTH

E

2,803

CLAXTON

E

2,568

COMMERCE

E

4,065

DONALSONSVILLE

E

3,278

EASTDUBLIN

E

2,987

FORSYTH

E

4,630

GLENNVILLE

E

4,249

HAWKINSVILLE

E

4,313

HAZLEHURST

E

4,406

HOMERVILLE

E

3,260

JACKSON

E

4,232

JONESBORO

E

4,668

LAKELAND

E

2,563

LOUISVILLE

E

2,825

MANCHESTER

E

4,560

MCDONOUGH

E

3,384

MCRAE

E

3,377

MILLEN

E

3,864

MORROW

E

3,762

PELHAM

E

4,276

PORTWENTWORTH

E

3,831

ROCKMART

E

3,565

ROYSTON

E

2,649

DCA - GID

PAGE 2

LIST OF MUNICIPALITIES RESPONDING TO FIRE SURVEY

1984

POP

ESTIMATED

MUNICIPALITY

GROUP POPULATION

--------------------------------------------

SOPERTON

E

2,854

SYLVANIA

E

3,i43

TALLAPOOSA

E

2,764

VIENNA

E

2,9B5

WASHINGTON

E

4,768

GROUP F

ABBEVILLE

F

ADAIRSVILLE

F

ALAMO

F

BALDWIN

F

BROXTON

F

BUTLER

F

CLEVELAND

F

COLQUITT

F

CUSSETA

F

DARIEN

F

ELLAVILLE

F

EMERSON

F

HAHIRA

F

JEFFERSON

F

KINGSLAND

F

LAVONIA

F

LEESBURG

F

LOOKOUTMOUNTAIN

F

LUMBERCITY

F

MEIGS

F

MONTICELLO

F

NICHOLLS

F

OMEGA

F

OXFORD

F

PALMETTO

F

PEMBROKE

F

PINEMOUNTAIN

F

PORTERDALE

F

REIDSVILLE

F

RICHMONDHILL

F

RINCON

F

SARDIS

F

SPARKS

F

SPARTA

F

SPRINGFIELD

F

STATHAM

F

STOCKBRIDGE

F

SUWANEE

F

TALBOTTON

F

1,040 2,185
979 1,357 1,061 1,985 1,627 1,916 1,254 1,709 1,649 1,353 1,703 1,845 2,683 2,015 1,548 1,497 1,506 1,168 2,482 1,136
987 1,932 2,708 1,399 1,035 1,413 2,606 1,451 2,232 1,332 1,443 1,836 1,164 1,231 2,612 1,544 1,076

DCA - GID

PAGE 3

LIST OF MUNICIPALITIES RESPONDING TO FIRE SURVEY

1984

POP ESTIMATED

MUNICIPALITY

GROUP POPULATION

--------------------------------------------

THUNDERBOLT

F

2,097

TUNNELHILL

F

1,058

WADLEY

F

2,467

WRENS

F

2,527

GROUP G

ADRIAN

G

AILEY

G

ALAPAHA

G

ARAGON

G

BALLGROUND

G

BIBBCITY

G

BOWMAN

G

COOLIDGE

G

ENIGMA

G

FAIRMOUNT

G

FRANKLINSPRINGS

G

GEORGETOWN

G

GUYTON

G

HOLLYSPRINGS

G

IRWINTON

G

MOUNTAINCITY

G

NELSON

G

NICHOLSON

G

OCHLOCKNEE

G

PINEVIEW

G

PORTAL

G

POULAN

G

SENOIA

G

SYCAMORE

G

TIGNALL

G

TOOMSBORO

G

TYTY

G

WOODBINE

G

WOODLAND

G

ZEBULON

G

736 539 739 937 733 871 832 848 664 1,031
774 938 808 738 868 721 580 590 588 565 736 826 1,151 584 896 621 711 1,032 642 908

GROUP H

ALLENTOWN

H

291

AVERA

H

234

BETHLEHEM

H

304

CADWELL

H

336

CLIMAX

H

395

COBBTOWN

H

470

DANIELSVILLE

H

357

DEEPSTEP

H

133

DCA - GID

PAGE 4

LIST OF MUNICIPALITIES RESPONDING TO FIRE SURVEY

MUNICIPALITY
DUPONT ELLENTON EUHARLEE GARFIELD HELEN IRONCITY JACKSONVILLE JAKIN LAKEPARK LEXINGTON LOVEJOY MANSFIELD MARTIN NORTHHIGHSHOALS ODUM ORCHARDHILL PRESTON SHILOH SKYVALLEY STILLMORE SUMNER SURRENCY TALKINGROCK WALESKA WOODVILLE
UNKNOWN DENMARK LEEFIELD MARTINEZ THURSTON

POP GROUP
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

1984 ESTIMATED POPULATION
263 295 506 220 344 342 176 174 454 270 261 419 330 291 445 215 386 387
66 570 210 354
78 585 430

NA

o

NA

o

NA

o

NA

o

DCA - GID

PAGE 5

Name of Jurisdiction Fire Department Practices Survey

The purpose of this survey is to gather information which may be used by local governments, state agencies, and other organizations to improve the operation and management of municipal and county fire departments. Information obtained from the questionnaires returned will be analyzed and published in a summary report.

1. Please indicate type of fire department by checking the applicable blanks:

City Full-time

County Volunteer

Joint City/County Combination

2. Number of full-time firefighters. Number of volunteer firefighters. If volunteers are used, how are they compensated?

3. Total number of firefighters. Total number of female firefighters.

4. What is the regular duty schedule? Example: 24 hours on, 48 'hours off (24/48). Schedule

5. How many hours of training or other meetings are required of vo1unteer fire f ighters ? Identify if per week, per month, etc.

6. Total number of hydrants.

7. Approximate distance in feet that hydrants are spaced.

8. Number of times hydrants are serviced annually.

9. (a) Does the department have residency requirements of its firefighters? If yes, what are they?

(b) Does the department have minimum education requirements of its firefighters? If yes, what are they?
10. Sizes of hose (couplings) used.
11. Names of fire safety codes officially adopted by city or county:

12. Title of fire .prevention program administrator. 13. Frequency of regular fire safety inspections

per year.

1

14. Has the fire department complied with minimum standards for

fire departments established in the official code of Geor-

gia, Chapter 25-3-20, and been duly certified?

Yes

No

15. Number of personnel receiving fire training from:

Regular in-service Fire science Other (

16. Number of fire calls in the last 12 months from residential:

; from commercial/industrial: ~b-o-x-e-s:

; from street alarm

17. Approximate average property loss per fire $

Total property loss, Fiscal Year 1984 $

Year 1985 $

_

~
, Fiscal

18. Number of firefighters engaged in providing additional professional services:

Emergency medical

Police

Other (

)

19. The department plans to provide additional fire protection services in the near future: (describe).

20. The Department pays for uniforms and equipment for firefigh-

ters.

Yes

No

21. What is the estimated cost of uniforms and equipment per

employee? $

_

22. Total annual department expenditure for providing fire protection.

What is the source of funding for your fire department?

23. Fire protection appropriation as a percent of the total city

or county budget.

%

24. Does the fire department have an up-to-date operating

manual?

Yes

No

25. What is the current fire insurance rating?

26. Does the city or county require installation of residential

smoke detectors?

Yes

No If ye s , is it

required of new residents only?

Yes

No

2

27. List in descending order of importance the top five problems faced by the department at present. Please be speci fic, i.e., list the types of equipment needed, etc.

28. What professional management training needs are there for the department?
29. What are the types, pumping capacity, storage capacity and age of the department' s fire fighting and rescue equipment? Use separate sheet if necessary.

30. Total number of fire stations Are the stations staffed at all times?

Yes - - - No

31. Does your jurisdiction have special fire districts? If yes, please describe.

32. Does your fire department have an outreach awareness program

which teaches fire safety to school children?

Yes

No

Thank you for completing this questionnaire. Please make copies of it before returning the original to the Department of Community Affairs. The Department will mail a copy of the final summary report to all communities responding to the survey.
Questions about this form or use of the data? Please call Steve Allen at (404) 656-5526.
Please return by December 5, 1986 to:
Steve Allen Georgia Department of Community Affairs 40 Marietta Street, N.W., 8th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Name of person completing the survey

Telephone t

-----------

_

3

DCA
40 Marletta Street N. W. Suite 800 Atlanta. Georgia 30303
(404) 656-3836