NFPA NFIRS Bias Study

Final Report-Task 4.1
Study of NFIRS Non-response Bias
Using NFPA Survey Data
Cooperative Agreement No. EME-2004-CA-0378

Submitted to:
Department of Homeland Security/FEMA
National Emergency Training Center
Jim Heeschen
Submitted by:
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169-7471

August 24, 2005

Introduction
From its inception, the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) has faced
questions, or worse assumptions, about biases in participation. NFIRS is a voluntary reporting
system, some states do not participate, and even the ones that do, participate at various rates of
completeness. Thus NFIRS, even with about 40% of all fire departments reporting in a given
year, is still a nonprobability sample, and whether this results in any bias in national estimates
based on it, needs to be determined.
In short, we do not know how the fire experience of NFIRS reporting departments
compares with NFIRS non-reporting departments, and thus how representative is the NFIRS
sample with respect to the overall fire experience in the U.S. One way to do this is to examine
fire loss statistics generated relative to the NFPA Survey, which is a probability sample stratified
by community size. One can then examine results based on a breakdown of departments that
participated in the NFPA Survey into those that also participated in NFIRS (matched) and those
that did not participate in NFIRS (unmatched).

Matching Methology
The matching of departments that responded to the NFPA survey and participated in
NFIRS was essentially based on trying to find departments that matched on zipcode, fire
department name, and address. This process was done separately for 1997 and 2002. This
process began with matching both files for a given year by zipcode via computer, and then
comparing fire department data on other items.
In most cases, there was only one department in a zipcode in the NFPA file. For the
departments in NFIRS with duplicate zipcodes, the multiple departments were examined to
determine which one most likely matched the corresponding department in the NFPA survey.
This examination was done with respect to data items such as, fire department name, address,
population protected, number of paid or volunteer firefighters, and the number of dwelling fires.
After the initial match phase was completed, departments identified as matched were eliminated
from the two files. This initial phase of the matching process resulted in 96% of the matches for
1997, and 93% of the matches for 2002.

1

With all computer aided phases exhausted, the next phase of the matching process resulted
in a sizable manual effort. At this point most of the larger communities’ match statuses were
determined, and this new phase focused mostly on departments that protect smaller communities.
With the files sorted by fire department name within state, a manual check was made for whatever
data was reported, including fire department name, address, city, population protected, paid or
volunteer firefighters, and dwelling fires.

Findings
To thoroughly examine results based on a breakdown of departments that participated in
the NFPA Survey into those that also participated in NFIRS (matched) and those that did not
participate in NFIRS (unmatched), it was felt that a wide range of U.S. fire loss statistics would
need to be analyzed. These included:
dwelling (1& 2 family) fires
dwelling civilian fire deaths
dwelling civilian fire injuries
dwelling fire property loss
structure fires
structure civilian fire deaths
structure civilian fire injuries
highway vehicle fires
highway vehicle civilian fire deaths
highway vehicle fire property loss
outside fires

Dwelling fires and associated losses were selected because they are fairly stable from year
to year in most communities, and they are less vulnerable to distortions from one or two severe
multiple-death or large-loss fires that can dramatically affect fire loss statistics. The other
statistics cover a wide range of types of fires, including highway vehicle fires and deaths and
outside fires, important statistics when describing the national fire problem.
The analysis plan used in this project is often called domain analysis, where the population
can be divided into subpopulations or groups (matched or unmatched). The overall means for the
two groups were calculated for the various selected U.S. fire loss statistics previously mentioned,
using a combined ratio estimation methodology, since the groups were represented in all
2

community size strata.1 The overall numbers of departments by match status and community size
can be seen in Tables 1 and 2 for 1997 and 2002. These 10 community size strata, which are the
same ones used by the NFPA in its methodology for estimating national statistics based on its
survey, were also used for estimating overall means for the matched and unmatched groups in this
project. The weighting factors by stratum used in this study were based on the number of fire
departments in the U.S. for 1997 and 2002 respectively that were listed on the NFPA Fire Service
Inventory File. The analysis was implemented using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences) Program Module for Complex Surveys.
The difference in means for the matched and unmatched groups for a given statistic was
evaluated for their statistical significance, because the results are based on a sample. To take into
account the 11 mean differences that were evaluated simultaneously, the Bonferroni method was
used.2
Results for overall means of the U.S. fire problem by match status for 1997 and 2002 are
shown in Tables 3 and 4. For 1997, matched departments had statistically significantly3 higher
overall means than unmatched departments for dwelling fires (an average of 11.43 compared to
9.52, or 20.1. % higher), dwelling injuries (an average of .499 compared to .375, or 32.9% higher),
and structure fires (19.86 compared to 16.42, or 21.0% higher.
Also in 1997, matched departments had higher overall means than unmatched for the
following, but these results were not statistically significant: structure fire injuries (.822 versus
.667, or 23.3% higher), dwelling fire deaths (.0967 versus .0861, or 12.3% higher), and dwelling
fire property loss ($126,989.8 versus $116,175.9, or 9.3% higher).
Also for 1997, matched departments had lower mean overall fire statistics for highway
vehicle fire deaths (.008 compared to .018, or 55.2% lower), and outside fires (25.27 compared to
34.16, or 26% lower). For highway vehicle fires and highway vehicle fire property loss, results
were about the same for matched and unmatched departments.
For 2002, matched departments had statistically significantly higher overall means than
unmatched departments for dwelling fires (an average of 11.44 compared to 9.57, or 19.5%
1

William G. Cochran, Sampling Techniques, John Wiley, New York, NY, 1977,

pp. 34-35, 142-145.
2
3

Neter, J., Kutner, M., Wasserman, W., Applied Linear Statistical Models, McGraw-Hill, 1996, pp. 736-738.
Using the Bonferroni method for multiple comparisons of evaluating 11 mean differences simultaneously,

a “p value” of less than .0045 indicates a statistically significant difference.

3

Table 1
Match Status by Community Size, 1997
Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000-499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500
Total

Matched
Number Percent
1
7
9
23
90
122
238
211
155
238
1,094

13
29
23
21
39
47
43
40
32
27

Unmatched
Number
Percent
7
17
30
87
143
136
313
323
328
658
2,042

87
71
77
79
61
53
57
60
68
73

Total
Number Percent
8
24
39
110
233
258
551
534
483
896
3,136

100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).

4

Table 2
Match Status by Community Size, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000-499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500
Total

Matched
Number Percent
3
9
9
46
113
157
302
337
265
349
1,590

30
33
36
45
56
64
57
50
42
35

Unmatched
Number
Percent
7
18
16
57
88
91
230
339
371
653
1,870

70
67
64
55
44
36
43
50
58
65

Total
Number Percent
10
27
25
103
201
248
532
676
636
1,002
3,460

100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).

5

Table 3
Overall Mean Fire Loss Statistics by Match Status, 1997

Fire Statistic
Dwelling Fires
Dwelling Fire Deaths
Dwelling Fire Injuries
Dwelling Fire Property Loss
Structure Fires
Structure Fire Deaths
Structure Fire Injuries
Highway Vehicle Fires
Highway Vehicle Fire Deaths
Highway Vehicle Property Loss
Outside Fires

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Mean
9.52
11.43
0.0861
0.0967
0.375
0.499
116,175.9
126,989.8
16.42
19.86
0.115
0.131
0.667
0.822
12.58
13.21
0.018
0.008
34,646.5
36,753.7
34.16
25.27

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
1,940
1,046
2,037
1,093
1,990
1,079
1,623
936
1,926
1,038
2,031
1,089
1,983
1,074
2,023
1,087
2,037
1,093
1,529
884
2,024
1,081

Standard
Error
0.216
0.377
0.0062
0.0106
0.018
0.031
3,681.9
5,833.8
0.459
0.722
0.0084
0.0119
0.038
0.047
0.445
0.489
0.0032
0.0020
2,237.9
1,857.6
3.753
1.612

Percent
Difference
20.1

t test
4.40

p value
0.000*

12.3

0.86

0.390

32.9

3.42

0.001*

9.3

1.57

0.116

21.0

4.02

0.000*

14.3

1.13

0.258

23.3

2.57

0.010*

5.0

0.95

0.342

-55.2

-2.62

0.009*

+6.1

+.72

0.472

-26.0

-2.18

0.029*

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated in NFIRS
(matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
*Statistically significant at the .05 level family wise level (.05\11=.0045).

6

Table 4
Overall Mean Fire Loss Statistics by Match Status, 2002

Fire Statistic
Dwelling Fires
Dwelling Fire Deaths
Dwelling Fire Injuries
Dwelling Fire Property Loss
Structure Fires
Structure Fire Deaths
Structure Fire Injuries
Highway Vehicle Fires
Highway Vehicle Fire Deaths
Highway Vehicle Property Loss
Outside Fires

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Mean
9.57
11.44
0.072
0.091
0.272
0.438
174,164.4
178,814.3
15.17
18.65
0.096
0.111
0.500
0.665
10.50
11.09
0.020
0.018
40,476.7
39,994.3
28.38
28.44

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
1,834
1,575
1,843
1,582
1,826
1,566
1,405
1,305
1,766
1,518
1,851
1,582
1,835
1,567
1,860
1,587
1,832
1,575
1,259
1,171
1,864
1,588

Standard
Error
0.271
0.321
0.0062
0.0076
0.017
0.024
11,620.4
7,414.6
0.463
0.585
0.0089
0.0083
0.039
0.035
0.369
0.364
0.0032
0.0030
2,770.8
2,635.7
1.14
0.77

Percent
Difference
19.5

t test
4.45

p value
0.000*

26.6

1.95

0.051

61.1

5.71

0.000*

2.7

0.33

0.741

23.0

4.67

0.000*

15.6

1.23

0.219

33.1

3.12

0.002*

5.6

1.14

0.254

-12.9

-0.58

0.562

-1.1

-.13

0.897

0.2

0.05

0.960

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated in NFIRS
(matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
*Statistically significant at the .05 level family wise level (.05\11=.0045).

7

higher), dwelling fire injuries (.438 compared to .272, or 61.1% higher), structure fires (18.65
compared to 15.17, or 23.0% higher), and structure fire injuries (.665 versus .500, or 33.1%
higher).
Also in 2002, matched departments had higher overall means than unmatched for the
following, but these results were not statistically significant: dwelling fire deaths (.091 versus
.072, or 26.6% higher), and structure fire deaths (.111 versus .096, or 15.6% higher).
Also for 2002, results were quite similar for matched and unmatched departments for
dwelling fire property loss, number of highway vehicle fires, highway vehicle fire property loss,
and number of outside fires.
An examination of consistency of results for the two years 1997 and 2002 indicates the
following: (1) For dwelling fires, dwelling fire injuries, and structure fires overall mean results for
matched departments were statistically significantly higher than unmatched departments for both
years (Figures 1 to 3).
(2) For highway vehicle fires and highway vehicle fire property loss, results were similar
for matched and unmatched departments for each of the two years (Figures 4 and 5).
(3) Other findings ---Dwelling fire deaths were somewhat higher for matched fire
departments in both years, dwelling property loss was somewhat higher for matched departments
in 1997 (not statistically significant), but results for matched and unmatched departments were
very similar in 2002; highway vehicle fire deaths were higher for unmatched departments in
1997, but results for matched and unmatched departments were very similar in 2002; and outside
fires were higher for unmatched in 1997, but results for matched and unmatched departments were
very similar in 2002.
Results were also calculated for mean fire loss statistics by size of community and match
status for 1997 and 2002 and are shown in the Appendix.

8

Figure 1
Overall Mean Dwelling Fires
by Match Status for 1997 and 2002
Matched

14

Unmatched
12

11.43

11.44

Dwelling Fires

9.57

9.52

10

8

6

4

2

0
1997

2002

Year
Source: 1997 and 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
M atched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS

9

Figure 2
Overall Mean Dwelling Fire Injuries
by Match Status for 1997 and 2002
0.7
Matched
0.6

Unmatched
0.499

D welling Injuries

0.5

0.438
0.375

0.4

0.272

0.3
0.2
0.1
0
1997

Source: 1997 and 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS

2002
Year

10

Figure 3
Overall Mean Structure Fires
by Match Status for 1997 and 2002
25

20

Matched

19.86

Unmatched

18.65

Structure Fires

16.42
15.17
15

10

5

0
1997

2002

Year

Source: 1997 and 2002 NFP A Fire Experience Survey
Mat ched and Unmat ched is relat ive t o part icipat ion in NFIRS

11

Figure 4
Overall Mean Highway Vehicle Fires
by Match Status for 1997 and 2002

14
13.21

Matched
Unmatched

12.58
12
11.09
10.5

Vehicle Fires

10

8

6

4

2

0
Year

1997

Year

Source: 1997 and 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS

12

Figure 5
Overall Mean Highway Vehicle Property Loss
by Match Status for 1997 and 2002

45,000
40,764

39,994

40,000
36,754
34,647

Vehicle Property Loss

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0
1997
Source: 1997 and 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS

2002
Year

13

Matched
Unmatched

Discussion
An examination of how representative the NFIRS data base is with respect to the overall
fire experience in the U.S. was undertaken. This examination was done relative to the NFPA
survey which is a probability sample. Departments in the NFPA survey were classified as also
participating in NFIRS (matched) or not in NFIRS (unmatched) and relevant fire statistics were
examined for these groups. Results for dwelling fires, dwelling fire injuries, and structure fires
indicated that the departments that participated in NFIRS (matched) had significantly higher fire
loss statistics than the departments that did not participate in NFIRS (unmatched). This indicates
that there are some biases in the NFIRS System with respect to these statistics; that is, the NFIRS
data base is not representative of the U.S. fire problem with respect to these statistics.
Also for highway vehicle fires and injuries results were similar for the matched and
unmatched groups, and apparently there are no appreciable biases in the NFIRS system. Results
also showed for dwelling fire deaths that the matched group was higher for both years. This means
that there is some indication of bias in dwelling fire deaths, which is one of the most important
measures of the U.S. fire problem.
Results for outside fires were not conclusive, with the unmatched group higher in 1997,
and results very similar for the two groups in 2002. It is also worth noting that outside fires
comprise a larger portion of fires for smaller communities than larger ones.
Another issue of concern is that matched departments may contain larger communities in
terms of population protected than the unmatched group within strata. To examine this question
we looked at mean population of community by community size and match status for 1997 and
2002 (Tables 5 and 6). For 1997 results indicate that the unmatched group had a higher mean
population for communities of 250,000 to 999,999, and that the matched group was higher for
communities under 2,500. For most community sizes (populations of 2,500 to 249,999) the mean
population for the matched and unmatched were quite similar. The results for 2002 were quite
similar to 1997, and the results for the two years collectively indicate that for the most part there
were no appreciable differences in mean population for the two groups within stratum. These
findings do not support the notion that population of community varies within stratum with the
matched groups having higher populations, and as a result more fires. If anything the reverse is
true for larger communities, with the unmatched group having higher mean populations than the
matched group.

14

Table 5
Mean Population by Community Size and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000 to 999,999
250,000 to 499,999
100,000 to 249,999
50,000 to 99,999
25,000 to 49,999
10,000 to 24,999
5,000 to 9,999
2,500 to 4,999
Less than 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Mean
2,735,758
1,047,350
659,536
602,169
364,302
314,234
152,241
155,873
68,144
65,624
33,080
33,809
15,186
15,703
7,006
6,785
3,378
3,500
1,033
1,219

Standard
Error
811,722
32,000
35,601
13,608
14,891
4,441
8,844
1,093
1,287
535
649
242
271
83
102
41
58
26
40

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
1
17
7
30
9
87
23
143
90
136
122
313
238
323
211
328
155
658
238

Percent
Difference

t test

p value

-8.7

-1.20

0.230

-13.7

-2.48

0.013*

2.4

0.37

0.711

-3.7

-1.49

0.136

2.2

0.87

0.384

3.4

1.42

0.156

-3.1

-1.67

0.094

3.6

1.73

0.083

18.0

3.92

0.000*

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated in NFIRS
(matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
*Statistically significant at the .05 level.

15

Table 6
Mean Population by Community Size and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000 to 999,999
250,000 to 499,999
100,000 to 249,999
50,000 to 99,999
25,000 to 49,999
10,000 to 24,999
5,000 to 9,999
2,500 to 4,999
Less than 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Mean
3,196,586
1,362,860
649,150
639,875
360,573
338,667
160,297
138,620
69,584
68,162
33,649
34,282
14,629
14,963
6,935
7,086
3,394
3,507
1,063
1,160

Standard
Error
831,372
274,032
24,734
48,092
19,062
18,798
5,737
5,399
1,447
1,166
818
579
266
243
82
80
39
46
26
33

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
3
18
9
16
9
57
46
88
113
91
157
230
302
339
337
371
265
653
349

Percent
Difference

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated in NFIRS
(matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
*Statistically significant at the .05 level.

16

t test

p value

-1.4

-0.17

0.086

-6.1

-0.82

0.412

-13.5

-2.75

0.006*

-2.0

-0.76

0.447

1.9

0.63

0.529

2.3

0.93

0.352

2.2

1.31

0.19

3.3

1.89

0.058

9.1

2.28

0.022*

When one examines match status by community size stratum, several observations
are worth noting (Tables1 and 2). The highest participation rates in NFIRS do not occur for the
largest community sizes. For 1997, the highest percent of matched departments, a range of 39% to
47%, occurred for communities of 5,000 to 99,999. Though generally higher rates of matching
occurred in 2002 than in 1997, the highest percent of matched departments occurred for
communities of 5,000 to 249,999. These results do not reflect prior sentiment that the highest
participation rates occurred for the largest communities. However, the results do indicate
appreciably higher matches rated for medium sized communities (5,000 to 99,999). These results
may argue for adjusting for differences in match rates by community size to estimate overall
national fire statistics, but does not resolve the finding that some biases exist in NFIRS based on
participation rates in NFIRS relative to the NFPA Survey.
In summary, this study was one way to examine NFIRS, though a rigorous one, and should
help in understanding some of the relevant data collection and statistical issues concerning it.

17

Appendix

18

Table A-1. Mean Dwelling Fire Incidents
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
143.637
0.000
35.101
28.091
22.112
28.024
6.109
13.354
3.335
4.003
1.588
1.508
0.729
0.812
0.553
0.535
0.283
0.366
0.113
0.190

Estimate
1,482.00
964.00
597.07
671.43
328.30
368.89
117.75
190.60
64.23
64.26
31.30
29.61
17.44
19.52
10.52
10.44
5.25
5.43
2.13
2.34

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
1
15
7
27
9
76
20
127
84
128
114
288
220
305
202
319
152
648
237

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

19

Table A-2. Mean Dwelling Civilian Fire Deaths
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000-499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
3.980
0.000
0.354
0.437
0.573
0.535
0.142
0.177
0.072
0.079
0.057
0.054
0.018
0.029
0.014
0.021
0.018
0.038
0.006
0.011

Estimate
19.43
8.00
5.75
6.00
5.00
2.78
1.03
1.13
0.51
0.52
0.29
0.31
0.12
0.16
0.06
0.05
0.06
0.09
0.02
0.02

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
1
16
7
29
9
87
23
142
90
135
121
312
238
323
211
328
155
658
238

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

20

Table A-3. Mean Dwelling Civilian Fire Injuries
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
12.266
0.000
2.481
1.673
2.183
2.558
0.903
1.806
0.266
0.325
0.186
0.156
0.070
0.122
0.049
0.054
0.021
0.044
0.008
0.016

Estimate
96.80
22.00
30.92
30.71
19.39
17.56
9.18
14.55
3.23
3.38
1.45
1.40
0.59
0.95
0.25
0.29
0.08
0.15
0.03
0.05

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
5
1
12
7
23
9
78
20
133
86
132
119
308
235
316
211
325
154
658
237

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

21

Table A-4. Mean Dwelling Fire Property Loss
by Community Size and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Estimate
14,762,696.4
15,749,336.0
8,466,530.0
6,782,580.1
3,325,383.6
4,299,537.4
1,454,987.9
1,503,122.4
614,040.5
582,792.5
373,315.9
313,355.3
198,302.9
182,286.0
144,080.1
116,510.3
83,352.8
82,349.9
29,324.8
39,104.3

Standard
Error
1,765,458.22
0.00
367,783.68
429,600.81
262,908.25
28,7648.42
89,361.00
104,090.52
35,795.41
43,438.01
38,823.50
20,691.44
14,854.74
10,481.93
13,126.50
9,562.09
7,679.47
16,752.02
2,261.15
5,239.51

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
5
1
15
7
23
9
70
18
109
70
100
106
241
195
246
183
251
136
563
211

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

22

Table A-5. Mean Structure Fire Incidents
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Estimate
3,077.50
2,076.00.
1,288.57
1,676.14
738.00
789.33
244.16
383.68
116.94
114.95
52.98
54.59
26.87
31.22
15.90
14.84
7.60
7.91
3.20
3.86

Standard
Error
484.485
0.000
108.024
109.000
70.637
72.425
11.645
25.058
5.978
8.482
2.857
3.072
1.060
1.431
0.880
0.702
0.366
0.512
0.157
0.257

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
6
1
14
7
27
9
80
22
126
82
121
108
283
221
301
200
319
151
649
237

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

23

Table A-6. Mean Structure Civilian Fire Deaths,
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
10.794
0.000
0.402
0.460
0.635
0.623
0.154
0.209
0.080
0.113
0.062
0.070
0.021
0.036
0.016
0.022
0.019
0.039
0.006
0.011

Estimate
42.43
16.00
7.13
8.43
5.97
4.78
1.54
1.52
0.63
0.82
0.37
0.43
0.16
0.23
0.08
0.06
0.07
0.10
0.02
0.02

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
1
16
7
29
9
87
23
141
90
135
120
312
238
323
211
325
155
656
235

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

24

Table A-7. Mean Structure Civilian Fire Injuries
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
35.035
0.000
4.486
5.810
3.165
4.284
1.173
2.429
0.427
0.506
0.646
0.228
0.108
0.147
0.060
0.068
0.025
0.060
0.025
0.018

Estimate
198.80
87.00
59.42
74.29
33.48
36.22
14.72
23.23
5.43
5.93
3.14
2.39
1.03
1.33
0.35
0.41
0.11
0.24
0.06
0.06

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
5
1
12
7
23
9
79
22
135
86
133
118
309
233
310
208
323
154
654
236

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

25

Table A-8. Mean Highway Vehicle Fire Incidents
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
682.419
0.000
37.068
41.422
33.638
41.485
10.214
16.072
2.891
3.107
2.162
1.634
0.752
0.807
0.515
0.502
0.449
0.382
0.125
0.212

Estimate
3,754.43
2,458.00
756.79
1,059.71
543.04
589.89
203.21
252.55
85.73
78.35
40.46
37.46
19.88
20.28
10.35
9.75
5.68
5.35
1.99
2.25

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
1
14
7
27
9
85
22
140
88
134
121
311
235
322
211
325
155
658
238

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

26

Table A-9. Mean Highway Vehicle Civilian Fire Deaths
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
0.665
0.000
0.056
0.113
0.077
0.096
0.031
0.080
0.013
0.018
0.020
0.013
0.007
0.007
0.016
0.000
0.011
0.009
0.003
0.000

Estimate
3.86
0.00
0.69
0.71
0.45
0.33
0.18
0.22
0.05
0.03
0.04
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.03
0.00
0.02
0.01
0.00
0.00

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
1
16
7
29
9
87
23
143
90
135
121
311
238
323
211
328
155
658
238

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

27

Table A-10. Mean Highway Vehicle Fire Property Loss
by Community Size, and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Estimate
830,9238.2
3,661,192.0
2,974,842.5
308,3204.0
1,710,626.5
1,399,430.2
436,200.7
495,470.3
202,690.3
182,232.9
87,590.7
82,481.3
59,215.5
51,936.7
28,751.0
31,103.0
18,381.1
20,845.0
7,611.9
11,687.0

Standard
Error
2,774,307.80
0.00
195,662.25
246,897.45
182,929.72
157,236.12
32,553.63
50,695.96
13,075.34
12,648.92
7,200.09
5,856.28
15,206.07
4,367.79
2,339.21
3,438.37
2,008.76
4,095.47
801.99
2,072.90

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
5
1
14
7
22
9
68
18
111
68
95
103
225
183
222
162
219
126
548
207

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

28

Table A-11. Mean Outside Fires
by Size of Community and Match Status, 1997

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Estimate
8,740.43
3,278.00
1,449.67
1,792.14
1,112.61
849.22
394.69
401.82
162.89
138.26
79.96
75.54
41.17
40.65
25.56
21.95
15.89
14.56
6.97
5.97

Standard
Error
2,913.671
0.000
221.893
284.858
139.625
70.237
29.037
42.686
9.925
8.490
5.198
4.946
2.160
1.819
1.723
1.438
1.089
1.447
0.385
0.406

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
1
15
7
28
9
85
22
142
88
135
120
309
235
320
211
325
155
658
238

Source: 1997 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

29

Table A-12. Mean Dwelling Fire Incidents
By Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
138.379
63.313
42.609
52.028
26.942
20.478
11.695
9.499
3.062
2.858
1.878
1.321
.982
.714
.581
.447
.306
.308
.151
.189

Estimate
1,325.29
920.67
474.33
510.33
229.21
260.22
130.55
131.58
58.36
55.96
30.16
27.84
18.33
17.00
11.16
10.25
5.71
5.17
2.40
2.20

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
3
18
9
14
9
49
45
83
111
86
152
224
299
333
335
368
263
652
349

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

30

Table A-13. Mean Dwelling Civilian Fire Deaths
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
4.357
.873
.299
1.245
.531
.544
.209
.376
.074
.054
.071
.059
.020
.022
.020
.013
.012
.012
.005
.004

Estimate
16.80
9.00
2.93
7.00
2.14
2.11
.98
1.95
.46
.40
.29
.31
.09
.10
.11
.05
.04
.03
.01
.01

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
5
3
14
9
14
9
48
43
85
110
90
155
228
302
336
337
371
265
652
349

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

31

Table A-14. Mean Dwelling Civilian Fire Injuries
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
7.246
1.380
1.647
4.723
1.956
2.207
1.044
.776
.294
.235
.216
.152
.060
.069
.033
.032
.013
.015
.005
.010

Estimate
29.50
34.00
17.19
31.00
16.60
12.78
9.02
5.66
2.51
3.00
1.51
1.66
.38
.67
.18
.19
.05
.06
.02
.02

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
2
2
16
9
15
9
44
38
80
106
87
151
225
300
334
337
371
265
652
349

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

32

Table A-15. Mean Dwelling Fire Property Loss
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Estimate
19,299,740.8
11,094,238.3
7,725,105.9
8,770,049.0
4,219,574.9
4,040,752.3
1,896,531.1
1,744,962.8
757,009.6
764,307.9
891,963.2
480,341.0
294,090.6
237,250.6
178,031.8
158,582.6
132,477.9
108,442.7
52,846.5
39,916.3

Standard
Error
3,762,519.71
1,174,895.01
445,130.07
1,102,070.78
852,571.21
345,533.41
153,135.47
206,546.25
53,166.39
45,581.46
381,424.62
45,958.63
26,755.76
14,814.43
15,580.82
12,968.20
14,864.14
19,990.36
5,461.70
4,830.69

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
4
3
18
9
13
8
44
35
73
101
71
143
168
245
238
264
298
205
518
292

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

33

Table A16. Mean Structure Fire Incidents
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
157.045
250.521
87.719
116.581
51.041
43.280
21.291
21.432
6.693
5.615
3.017
2.423
1.521
.976
.870
.529
.359
.421
.170
.229

Estimate
2,249.67
2,020.00
958.78
1,174.50
426.50
502.13
248.04
252.71
109.21
96.83
48.16
49.97
25.18
25.57
14.97
13.98
7.97
7.44
3.32
3.40

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
6
3
18
8
14
8
53
42
78
98
81
144
196
282
316
324
357
260
647
349

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

34

Table A-17. Mean Structure Civilian Fire Deaths
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
10.739
1.512
.645
1.175
.614
.651
.194
.399
.083
.063
.092
.061
.022
.024
.021
.014
.013
.012
.006
.006

Estimate
30.80
13.00
4.56
9.00
2.80
2.78
1.26
2.40
.62
.54
.40
.34
.10
.13
.13
.07
.05
.03
.02
.01

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
5
3
16
9
15
9
53
43
86
111
90
155
229
302
335
336
371
265
651
349

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

35

Table A-18. Mean Structure Civilian Fire Injuries
By Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
47.402
9.825
2.018
5.582
3.064
3.483
2.017
1.371
.435
.317
.300
.201
.118
.085
.035
.042
.014
.018
.007
.011

Estimate
116.00
76.50
26.75
49.44
29.87
25.00
16.47
10.53
4.22
4.84
2.45
2.34
.73
.93
.23
.27
.06
.07
.02
.03

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
3
2
16
9
15
8
49
40
82
108
89
152
226
299
334
337
369
264
652
348

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

36

Table A-19. Mean Highway Vehicle Fire Incidents
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
295.118
194.538
48.391
33.711
31.840
27.803
11.096
10.715
5.097
1.974
1.886
1.251
.704
.562
.394
.329
.291
.364
.107
.115

Estimate
3,096.14
2,128.67
787.22
708.33
395.00
323.00
154.71
155.07
68.98
55.32
29.84
29.28
14.86
14.02
8.36
7.92
4.17
4.32
1.94
1.78

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
3
18
9
16
9
55
46
87
112
89
156
228
302
338
336
370
265
652
349

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

37

Table A-20. Mean Highway Vehicle Civilian Fire Deaths
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
.854
.660
.183
.151
.282
.250
.077
.068
.041
.021
.023
.025
.000
.010
.007
.007
.010
.004
.004
.003

Estimate
3.60
2.00
.94
.56
.64
.44
.37
.22
.09
.08
.03
.04
.00
.03
.01
.02
.03
.00
.01
.00

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
5
3
16
9
14
9
49
41
82
107
88
154
227
302
336
336
370
265
652
349

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

38

Table A-21. Mean Highway Vehicle Fire Property Loss
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Estimate
13,843,920.8
10,352,862.3
2,866,955.5
2,454,333.9
1,897,970.4
948,523.9
439,543.3
441,427.1
192,627.1
148,910.7
81,650.7
92,294.1
54,255.3
45,141.5
34,200.0
32,791.8
25,059.3
19,153.2
8,983.3
8,490.6

Standard
Error
2,396,372.49
3,172,103.88
238,523.76
273,734.90
498,163.74
142,532.31
42,183.01
54,542.42
31,772.83
10,301.74
11,003.99
7,227.36
6,114.29
3,591.24
3,601.16
4,872.12
4,155.75
2,286.74
1,150.85
1,014.55

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
4
3
17
9
14
8
44
35
67
99
71
130
140
220
189
223
240
174
473
270

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

39

Table A-22. Mean Outside Fire Incidents
by Size of Community and Match Status, 2002

Community Size
1,000,000 or more
500,000-999,999
250,000—499,999
100,000-249,999
50,000-99,999
25,000-49,999
10,000-24,999
5,000-9,999
2,500-4,999
Under 2,500

Match Status
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched
unmatched
matched

Standard
Error
1,439.153
117.401
75.350
102.771
74.238
53.013
23.488
19.412
16.214
6.180
8.157
3.749
2.448
1.676
1.373
.972
.807
.692
.395
.437

Estimate
6,702.71
2,978.33
1,282.78
1,527.00
667.69
689.00
351.30
277.54
167.45
131.96
86.21
74.92
43.41
40.89
27.49
20.93
15.75
13.36
8.25
7.63

Number of Fire
Departments
Reporting
7
3
18
9
16
9
56
46
88
112
90
157
229
302
338
336
370
265
652
349

Source: 2002 NFPA Fire Experience Survey
Matched and Unmatched is relative to participation in NFIRS
Breakdown by departments in NFPA Survey that also participated
in NFIRS (matched) and those departments in the NFPA Survey where there is
no match in NFIRS (unmatched).
Note that some results are based on a small number of departments reporting and
caution should be used because of the high variability associated with small samples.

40