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pdfIntroduction to NFIRS 5.0
Intro to NFIRS 5.0-Student Manual
3rd Edition, 3rd Printing--March 2006
FEMA/USFA/NFA
Intro to NFIRS 5.0-SM
March 2006
3rd Edition, 3rd Printing
Introduction to NFIRS 5.0
Introduction to NFIRS 5.0
Intro to NFIRS 5.0-Student Manual
3rd Edition, 3rd Printing--March 2006
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY
FOREWORD
On March 1, 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) became part of the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the
effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts
following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders,
and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) serves as the agency fire protection and emergency response
community expert. It is located at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Md., and
includes the National Fire Academy and the Emergency Management Institute. The mission of the USFA is
to save lives and reduce economic losses due to fire and related emergencies through research and training,
public education and coordination with other federal agencies and fire protection and emergency service
personnel.
To achieve the USFA's legislated mandate (under Public Law 93-498, October 29, 1974), "to advance the
professional development of fire service personnel and of other persons engaged in fire prevention and
control activities," the USFA's National Fire Academy offers a diverse delivery system. Courses are
delivered at the Emmitsburg campus and throughout the nation in cooperation with state and local fire
training organizations.
iii
INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM--NFIRS 5.0
iv
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................
Table of Contents ...............................................................................................................................
iii
v
UNIT 0:
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW........................................................... SM 0-1
UNIT 1:
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1 ........................................................................... SM 1-1
UNIT 2:
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2.............................................................................. SM 2-1
UNIT 3:
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3 .................................................... SM 3-1
UNIT 4:
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4 ................................... SM 4-1
UNIT 5:
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5 .................................... SM 5-1
UNIT 6:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6 .................... SM 6-1
UNIT 7:
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7..................................... SM 7-1
UNIT 8:
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8....................................................... SM 8-1
UNIT 9:
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9 ...................................... SM 9-1
UNIT 10:
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10 ............................................................. SM 10-1
UNIT 11:
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11............... SM 11-1
UNIT 12:
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP ......................................................................... SM 12-1
Appendix
v
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 0:
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe the benefits provided by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) 5.0.
2.
Explain how the need to collect fire data led to the organization and development of NFIRS.
3.
Identify the modules that are included in NFIRS 5.0.
4.
State the purpose of the NFIRS Handbook and Quick Reference Guide (QRG).
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-2
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
INCIDENT DATA COLLECTION
The Incident Report
An incident report is the written or electronic documentation that a fire or
other incident occurred. It may be as brief as a basic fact statement or as
lengthy as an extensive discussion of the incident, supported by
photographs, witness statements, and laboratory test results. The length
and complexity of the report will depend on the nature and magnitude of
the incident, State and local policies concerning data collection, the need
for specific data, and the resources available for obtaining information and
completing reports. They also depend on the training and motivation of
the person filling out the report.
The incident report should include a description of the circumstances
related to the incident, including the cause, factors contributing to the
magnitude of the incident, actions taken by the fire department to mitigate
the incident, and a description of the casualties or the damage resulting
from the incident.
Purpose of the Incident Report
There are three basic purposes of an incident report at the local level.
First, it is the legal record of the fact that a fire or other incident occurred;
it provides official notification to those who may be required legally to
know of the incident, such as the State Fire Marshal. It reports facts
concerning the incident. In the case of a fire, it describes the particular
property affected, why the fire occurred, how building components and
fire protection devices performed, casualties or damage that resulted, and
fire department action.
Second, it provides information to senior officers and fire department
managers so that they are kept informed about what is happening within
their areas of responsibility. This allows them to evaluate the performance
of their units at the incident and to talk intelligently about the incident to
the media and others. Furthermore, good information about a fire can
motivate change in fire protection approaches in a community or even the
Nation.
Finally, the incident report provides data on fire and other emergency
services to fire service management so they can track trends, gauge the
effectiveness of prevention and intervention measures presently being
used, evaluate the impact of new methods, and indicate those areas that
may require further attention.
SM 0-3
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
The first two purposes can be served by any report that is an accurate
description of the incident. The third purpose, however, requires that
information be collected in a consistent format that will permit a
meaningful aggregation of the data from reports on many incidents.
It is important that the
locally collected data
have a visible,
significant use at the
local fire service level.
It also is important that a single report serve the
basic data needs of several types of potential users.
The data needed at the State and national level must
be provided from what is collected locally. At the
same time, it is important that the locally collected
data also have a visible, significant use at the local
fire service level. If the data are collected only for
the benefit of those outside the local area, the
motivation and commitment to quality and
completeness may diminish, with a resulting
reduction in the usefulness of the data.
It is difficult to collect routinely all of the data items that are likely to be
needed by all types of potential users in the future. Compromises are
needed between the ease of filling out an incident report and the potential
uses of it. Ease of use also increases reliability, and the reliability of the
data increases their usefulness.
Uniformity of Incident Reporting
To achieve uniformity in reporting, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA),
within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has
developed the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). This
system is based on the work of the National Fire Information Council
(NFIC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical
Committee on Fire Reporting.
The NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Reporting is responsible for
developing and maintaining NFPA 901, Standard Classifications for
Incident Reporting and Fire Protection Data. This Standard establishes
basic definitions and terminology for use in incident reporting and serves
as a means of classifying data so that the information can be aggregated.
Benefits of an Incident Reporting System
At the local level, a fire department can derive many benefits from a good
incident reporting system, particularly if it is based on NFIRS. Some of
the following uses involve no more than totaling data from the system.
Others require more extensive analysis. Many of these benefits can be
SM 0-4
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
derived at the State and national levels when a database is used that
combines the fire experience of many local fire departments. It is
important to note that while this examination focuses on fires, similar
benefits can be derived for other types of incidents handled by fire
departments, such as emergency medical services (EMS) and hazardous
materials (haz mat) incidents.
Describing a community's fire problem: It is possible to pinpoint where
fires are occurring, what factors are most responsible for ignitions, and
what casualties and damage are occurring as a result of fires. With the
problem placed in proper perspective, the most serious and solvable
aspects of the fire problem can be tackled first.
Supporting budget request: In this era of increasing concern about
taxes, municipal officials are quick to cut budgets and slow to add new
programs. Frequently, fire department managers do not have the statistics
to support their requests for additional funds. Good statistics will put the
fire problem in perspective with other municipal concerns and help
community officials realize the consequences of budget cuts or the value
of new programs for the fire department. Such new programs may involve
the delivery of other emergency services, such as EMS and haz mat spill
mitigation.
Supporting code refinements: A good database permits fire departments
to identify and describe fires that might have developed differently or
might not have occurred at all if certain code changes had been in place.
Loss statistics from other areas with more stringent codes also can be used
for comparison. Estimating the likely impact of a code change can
involve complex analysis, however, and no incident database can address
all the subtleties of code impact.
Evaluating code enforcement programs: It is not sufficient to have
codes on the books if they are not enforced properly. In evaluating loss
experience, it may be possible to see whether certain losses are occurring
in occupancies that are not up to code or are without desired features such
as sprinkler systems.
Evaluating public fire education programs: Not all problems can be
solved by establishing and enforcing codes. There are certain aspects of
the fire problem that can be controlled best by public education programs
that inform people of the dangers of fire and tell them how to reduce fires
and how to react when hazardous situations arise. It is important to know
the exact problem that has to be addressed. Appropriate evaluation criteria
also must be in place to measure whether an educational program is, in
fact, helping to solve that aspect of the problem.
SM 0-5
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Planning future fire protection needs: Many communities and fire
departments are becoming very active in planning and are developing
master plans. It is essential that the fire service be involved in such
planning. A good database will allow a fire department to compute fire
rates relative to population and building inventory, as well as monitor
response times. These, with other characteristics of the community fire
problem and planning, will support better fire protection in the future,
based on changing demography and planned community growth. It also
will provide input to decisions about the type and level of fire protection a
community will provide so that requirements can be established for
developers who construct properties that exceed fire department
capabilities.
Improving allocation of resources: Proper analysis of fire incident data
may show where a redeployment of existing resources can provide the
same level of protection or even improve the level of protection within a
community.
Scheduling nonemergency activities: Training sessions, in-service
inspections, and other activities are important aspects of a fire
department's function. A fire department that tracks the times that fires
occur and their severity can schedule these activities when they are least
likely to be interrupted by emergency calls or when the normal delay
caused by such activities will have the least impact on emergencies.
Regulating product safety: Particularly at the national and State levels, a
fire reporting system can be useful in measuring the size and severity of
problems associated with various types of consumer products. By
identifying the most commonly involved products and the ways these
products become involved in fire, this reporting system can help
manufacturers redesign their products to make them safer, and it can
prompt changes in standards and regulations to require safer products.
The reported information also can be incorporated into public fire
education programs to warn consumers of the dangers of using certain
products.
Support for fire engineering models: Engineering models to design or
evaluate fire protection depend upon the output of fire reporting systems
to guide and calibrate the models.
Support for fire engineering analysis: Analysis of fire data can indicate
those methods of fire defense that work best.
SM 0-6
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Data-Based Decisionmaking Process
Fire personnel accurately recording the circumstances of all incidents,
using a reliable and consistent coding methodology, is the first step in the
data reporting process and a key for developing profiles that affect a
department's decisions. Incident data can be used by fire departments to
document their experience, support all types of management decisions,
and identify, prepare, and justify budget requests.
Consistent response data
support local decisionmaking in administration
and operations
Local agencies then can send their incident data to
the State, where the information is combined with
data from other fire departments into a statewide
database. By combining data at the State level,
trends in fire problems can be detected that often
are too infrequent to be seen at the local level, and a
State fire profile can be developed.
Trend
information can be used to target fire safety and
prevention programs, as well as to assist in
identifying the safety level of products and
practices. For these reasons, fire incident reporting
is mandatory in many States.
State incident data are sent to the National Fire Data
Center (NFDC) at the USFA for further analysis.
The NFDC can compare and contrast statistics from
States and large metropolitan departments to
develop national public education programs, make
recommendations for national codes and standards,
guide allocation of Federal funds, identify consumer
product failures, identify the focus for research
efforts, and support Federal legislation, such as the
Hotel/Motel Fire Safety Act (PL 101-391--Sept. 25,
1990).
National-level data can
be used by information
partners to address
community risk
reduction issues.
At the national level, data combined from
participating States can be used by the information
partners. These organizations use national-level fire
data to establish policy, allocate funds, and set
standards to affect the fire problem. Decisionmaking based on incident patterns identifies
common areas for prevention and high-risk
products, and geographic areas so partners can take
steps in response.
SM 0-7
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Addressing issues
nationally can help local
emergency responders
acquire resources to
address high-risk issues.
The purpose at all levels in the data reporting
system is to provide timely and reliable information
that supports the decisionmaking process, whether
it is a fire captain identifying target hazards and
properly deploying resources based on incident
information, or the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) banning unsafe products like
flammable sleepwear for children.
Development of NFIRS
The need to collect data was realized and identified in
1972 when America Burning was published. America
Burning recommended "…that a national fire data system
be established to provide a continuing review and analysis
of the entire fire problem" (page 9). The USFA, which
was created based on this and other recommendations in
America Burning, is the agency that evaluates the Nation's
fire problem.
Among other duties, the USFA is charged with providing for a nationwide
exchange of information pertaining to fire and life safety and with having
data collection, storage, retrieval, and dissemination capability.
Early data collection efforts varied throughout the country. The first
States to pilot test the NFPA Pamphlet 901 system were California, New
York, Ohio, and Oregon. Version 1 NFIRS software, developed by the
National Fire Prevention and Control Administration (NFPCA--the
predecessor to USFA), was used in Minnesota, Missouri, and South
Dakota. The program started in 1975 with a "NFIRS Users Conference."
Version 2 software was completed between 1976 and 1978, Version 3
development began in 1979, and Version 4 in 1985. Version 4.1, with the
added HazMat Module, was implemented in 1990.
NFIRS 5.0, the latest version, was ready for implementation in 1999. It
featured all-incident reporting. Each State developed its implementation
plan individually.
SM 0-8
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
NATIONAL FIRE INFORMATION COUNCIL
The critical need for a national network to collect,
analyze, and share fire data led to the formation of the
NFIC. By participating in a uniform NFIRS, Council
members are dedicated to "fighting fire with facts."
From its meager beginning with just six States in
1975, the Council now encompasses 49 States, the
District of Columbia, and 35 metropolitan
jurisdictions, with nearly 14,000 fire departments
participating throughout the Nation.
The NFIC's unique partnership of Federal, State, and local participants has
proved to be one of the most successful, productive, and cost-beneficial
programs ever attempted on a national level. The Council's partnership
with the USFA/FEMA is through a cooperative agreement that provides
Federal funding to support specific program objectives. Strategies to
"fight fire with facts" include
•
•
•
•
•
•
system development and expansion;
integration of new computer information technologies;
technical assistance to member States/metros;
regional and national training workshops;
data analysis; and
use of data for public fire safety awareness education.
Effectively working towards its goal to establish the United States as the
number one Nation in fire safety, the Council has developed these
objectives:
•
•
•
•
•
•
to preserve lives, property, and natural resources from the effects
of destructive fire;
to enhance the quality of life for all people by employing NFIRS
data to assist in developing effective fire prevention and protection
strategies;
to increase the understanding of the causes of destructive fire by
combining experience at the community, State, and national levels;
to provide data essential to the evaluation of existing and proposed
fire safety laws, standards, codes, and regulations;
to identify behavioral factors that contribute to the causes of
accidental fires;
to increase the awareness of all people about the hazards of fire
and how to defend themselves against those hazards;
SM 0-9
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
•
•
to provide a comprehensive fire information resource to legislators;
code developers; Federal, State, and local government agencies;
fire and building officials; researchers; fire safety educators; the
media; public and private sector organizations; the business
community; and the general public; and
to promote a positive fire safety attitude in people's daily activities
--whether at home, work, or play.
All over the Nation, dozens of prominent organizations participate in and
benefit from Council activities and data. These span the media, industry,
government, and educational institutions, in addition to fire-related groups
and associations.
To coordinate its broad national representation, the Council is organized
into four geographical regions. Three State members from each region
serve on the Council's Board of Directors along with three directors who
represent the metropolitan city members (those fire departments serving a
population of more than 500,000).
The Council, with its broad NFIRS network, is providing valuable data to
an extensive range of decisionmakers in both the private and public
sectors.
The All-Incident Reporting System
The USFA, as well as many States, is mandated by law to collect
information on fires, and to rely on the Nation's fire service to meet that
requirement through the NFIRS. NFIRS Version 4.1 cannot meet today's
fire service information needs adequately because it was designed to
collect only fire information, which represents a fraction of the tasks
performed by the fire service. The NFIRS 5.0 addresses the fire service's
need for a system that accounts for the full range of fire department
incidents.
NFIRS 5.0 is based on
20 years of experience
in data management
among current NFIRS
users, and ideas from
national fire service
organizations.
SM 0-10
NFIRS program managers representing 49 States
and 35 metro fire departments have learned many
lessons about fire reporting during the past 20
years. With the input of State Fire Marshals, metro
fire chiefs, local fire departments, and customers
such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs
(IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters
(IAFF), NFPA, CPSC, and the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA),
they developed NFIRS 5.0, guided by the following
specific design objectives.
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
System Design Objectives
•
Create an All-Incident Reporting System.
To keep pace with the rapidly changing
activities of the fire service, NFIRS 5.0 must
be designed as an "all-incident" system
including, but not limited to, fire, EMS, haz
mat, wildland, and arson incidents.
NFIRS 5.0 records
information about all
responses, not just fires.
•
Inclusion of new incident types must be
supported by the NFIRS 5.0 Standard.
•
Develop a set of reporting codes that
describe any incident accurately, reliably,
and easily. All data should be readily
collectible, reportable, and usable.
•
Promote uniformity of incident reporting by
establishing the NFIRS 5.0 coding
methodology as the accepted national
standard, with the consensus of the USFA,
NFIC, NFPA, IAFC, IAFF, National
Association of State Fire Marshals
(NASFM), and other information partners.
•
Make the system hardware platform
independent.
The NFIRS 5.0 design
specifications must support the development
of a data collection system on any hardware
platform to ensure its universal acceptance
and the capability to integrate with existing
systems, where needed.
•
Make the system application software/
database independent.
The NFIRS 5.0
design specifications must support the
development of a data collection system
using industry standard software that is nonproprietary to the specification. This will
help to ensure universal acceptance of the
NFIRS 5.0 Standard and allow for its
integration with existing systems.
•
Map the historical data from the old system
to the new system where feasible.
NFIRS 5.0 is broadly
supported by national
organizations.
NFIRS 5.0 is flexible and
adaptable, working with a
variety of hardware and
software systems,
including previous
editions of NFIRS.
SM 0-11
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
•
Preserve the ability for a State to collect
Version 4.1 incident reports without
maintaining a separate database.
Benefits
The new system is modular in design and uses only the modules necessary
to describe the incidents. Data are collected for all incident types in one
Basic Module. Information that is more detailed can be collected with
other modules to further profile fires, structure fires, civilian fire
casualties, firefighter casualties, hazardous materials, wildland fires, arson,
apparatus, personnel, and EMS incidents as necessary.
A modular design
increases the system flexibility, and decreases data
collection.
The modular design makes the system easier to use
because only the data required to profile the extent
of the incident are captured.
Accuracy and
reliability have been improved by modifying the
coding system.
Ease of Use
Data coding has been
revised to reduce confusing classifications.
SM 0-12
•
Simplifies look-ups by alphabetizing coding
lists with multiple choices for the same
code.
•
Merges the codes ending in 9 and 0.
Version 4.1 required a distinction between
the codes ending in 9, "not otherwise
classified," and the codes ending in 0,
"insufficient information to classify further."
Often, the proper distinction between these
two codes is not observable in the field.
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
•
Eliminates compound codes. Some of the
previous codes have contained embedded
multiple questions. NFIRS 5.0 splits these
elements, since they are often confusing to
the reporter and result in ambiguous or
erroneous answers. Although this may
increase the number of fields, the choices
will be more clear among alternatives, and
the number of codes is decreased. For
example, "Equipment Involved in Ignition"
in Version 4.1 is a long complex list of
equipment that includes factors on power
source and use. Version 5.0 creates just
three categories (Equipment, Equipment
Portability, and Equipment Power Source) to
make coding easier, more accurate, and
specific.
•
Provides for abbreviated reporting of selfcontained, nonloss fires by using a basic
incident form that can be completed with as
few as three look-ups. This may represent
the majority of all fire incidents in many
jurisdictions.
•
Abbreviates paths through the system
nuisance fires where there have been
losses or casualties. This will eliminate
amount of information that needs to
entered into the system.
•
Documents small spills of common
hazardous materials on the basic form.
Information that is more detailed can be
provided on the optional Hazardous
Materials Module if a serious release of
hazardous materials occurs.
Eliminates compound
code--asks more
questions with fewer
choices.
Abbreviated reporting for
most incidents will reduce
data collection and classification times.
for
no
the
be
SM 0-13
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Compatibility
NFIRS 5.0 works with
current technology and
anticipates future equipment and software developments.
NFIRS 5.0 includes a
data mapping strategy to
convert 4.1 to 5.0 and
provide for statistical
analysis of historical
data.
•
Compatible
with
current
electronic
technology. Version 5.0 is designed for
electronic media technology. The design
specification contains specific data libraries,
programming specifications, and data flow
charts.
•
Designed to support current and anticipated
technologies: client-server, object-oriented
database; and Internet Web server
technology.
•
Includes a mapping strategy back to Version
4.1 to provide for statistical analysis of
historical data.
•
Allows for the inclusion of optional State or
local data storage and retrieval. These data
are for use at the local or State level only.
•
Recognizes that there may be a need for
additional data elements to meet the local
situation.
Comprehensiveness
NFIRS 5.0 offers more
precise information classification.
SM 0-14
•
Collects behavioral information on multiple
levels, e.g., children playing with fire, age
range, what they used to set the fire, and if
they were alone at the time of the incident.
•
Formats the address to allow computerized
queries and street-based address matching
for Geographic Information System (GIS)
purposes.
•
Breaks fire losses into property and contents
to better define structure losses.
Preincident value now is also captured as an
optional data element.
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
•
Captures specific property information about
multiple onsite materials and their use. This
will allow identification of nonintended or
illegal uses of property, such as residential
drug houses or laboratories.
•
Notes information on the number of acres
burned for all fires. Specific and detailed
information about wildland or large open
fires is captured for those fires only.
•
Represents missing (not reported) data as
blanks system-wide. Missing data no longer
will be lumped in with undetermined default
code values.
•
Profiles fire prevention and code issues that
affected the fire.
•
Captures multiple factors contributing to the
causes of the fire for the first time. This
allows identification of juvenile firesetters,
gang involvement in fires, alcohol and
cigarette interaction, as well as drugs and
youth involvement by age categories.
•
Expands on equipment involved in starting
fires.
Detailed tracking of specific
equipment involved in fire ignitions is
possible.
•
Highlights factors that affect fireground
suppression.
Burglar bars, high-rack
storage,
balloon
construction,
and
unprotected vertical openings are some
examples of this information.
•
Transmits certification of applications with
certification numbers to the State.
Reliability
NFIRS 5.0 data fields can
capture information
beyond simple incident
descriptions.
Usefulness
Administrative information is gathered and
classified routinely.
SM 0-15
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Data fields profile building and systems information that can be used to
develop prevention strategies.
SM 0-16
•
Provides better information on the impact of
fire protection features.
•
Includes carbon monoxide incidents.
•
Notes one-time information for special
studies purposes.
•
Groups fire service resources for apparatus
and personnel by use at the incident.
Specific detailed information about the use
of fire service personnel and apparatus will
be collected in a standard way for the first
time in optional modules. This will permit
staffing studies on several levels of use.
•
Outlines detailed information on the impact
of fires on buildings. Information on the
building's size, number of stories, and status
now is available. Specific information on
fire origin, damage patterns, flame spread,
and materials contributing to flame spread is
captured as well.
•
Expands information on detectors and
automatic suppression systems. Information
on the system's presence, range, power
supply, effectiveness, operation, and reason
for failure is included.
•
Extends information on casualties to provide
a better understanding of the relationship of
the casualty to factors contributing to injury,
as well as the nature and cause of injuries.
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
NFIRS 5.0 MODULE OVERVIEW
Version 5.0 uses a modular format to increase the accuracy and
applicability of data collection for all incident types. The overall number
of data fields has been increased. However, because Version 5.0 takes
advantage of selective field entries based on incident type, the number of
fields used to define an incident has decreased compared to Version 4.1.
Version 5.0 has 11 modules that are described below.
Each module (form) in the system is designed to collect specific data.
Nevertheless, the modules have some characteristics in common. Any
portion of a module identified by a letter--A, B, etc.--is called a section.
Sections may be subdivided into blocks such as A1, A2, etc. A block can
contain one or more lines and each entry within a line is called a field.
Codes are used, in some cases, to capture data within a field.
Whenever a data-entry point is marked with a star ( ), the information
requested is considered essential and the section, block, line, and/or field
must be completed.
NFIRS 1--Basic Module
The Basic Module is used for every incident. State agencies that are
responsible for incident reporting will determine which optional modules
(EMS, HazMat, Wildland, Apparatus, Arson) are required to be submitted.
If the State does not mandate the use of optional modules, the local fire
department still may elect to use the module(s).
NFIRS 1 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fire Department Identifier (FDID);
location;
incident type;
aid given or received;
dates and times/shifts/special studies;
actions taken;
dollar losses and values;
casualties;
haz mat releases;
property use; and
persons and entities involved.
SM 0-17
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
For certain incident types, NFIRS 1 is the only module that must be
completed:
•
•
•
•
•
•
confined fires, e.g., food on stove;
small vegetation fires;
outside rubbish fires;
explosions;
some "other" fire types; and
non-fires.
This feature meets the need for an abbreviated method of incident
reporting for those fires and other emergencies routinely encountered by
the fire department.
NFIRS 2--Fire Module
The Fire Module is used for any fire that extends beyond a noncombustible container. It would be used to record information on
incidents involving fires, including buildings, outside storage fires, vehicle
fires, and larger vegetation fires. As an option, the Wildland Module can
be used for vegetation and other outside fires. Building fires require the
additional use of the Structure Fire Module.
NFIRS 2 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
property details;
on-site materials;
ignition: area, source of ignition, material ignited, factors
contributing, human issues, equipment involved;
human factors involved;
mobile property description;
fire origin and spread description; and
fire suppression factors.
NFIRS 3--Structure Fire Module
The Structure Fire Module is used in conjunction with the Fire Module for
building fires that extend beyond a noncombustible container (Incident
Types 111 and 120's). The Fire Module provides details about the
property involved, and the Structure Fire Module furnishes information
regarding the buildings involved in the fire--how the fire started, and
detection and suppression equipment present.
The Structure Fire Module, through its available data fields, provides a
means to describe larger fire incidents extensively.
SM 0-18
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
NFIRS 3 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
structure type;
building status, height, main floor size;
fire origin, fire spread, number of stories damaged by flame;
material contributing to flame spread;
presence of detectors, detector type, detector power supply,
detector operation, detector effectiveness, detector failure reason;
and
presence of automatic extinguishment system (AES), type of AES,
AES operation, AES effectiveness, and AES failure reason.
NFIRS 4--Civilian Fire Casualty Module
The Civilian Fire Casualty Module captures data regarding any civilian
(non-fire-service) casualty associated with fire-related incidents. An entry
in H1 of the Basic Module will initiate the completion of this module.
The Civilian Fire Casualty Module is designed to provide a better
understanding of human reaction to fire, not just major fires, but those
likely to be encountered by the fire department on a more frequent basis.
In this way, public safety education programs can be targeted to address
these behaviors. Furthermore, building codes can be modified in
recognition of how people likely will react in fire conditions.
NFIRS 4 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
person's identification;
demographic information;
injury causes, including human and contributing factors;
activity when injured;
location when injured;
symptoms and portion of body injured; and
disposition.
NFIRS 5--Fire Service Casualty Module
The Fire Service Casualty Module is used when fire service personnel
suffer an injury, fall, or exposure involved with any incident. When the
Fire Service Casualty Module is used, at a minimum the Basic Module
also must be completed. Other modules also may be required, depending
on the incident type.
SM 0-19
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
An exposure is when fire service personnel are exposed to a toxic
substance or harmful physical agent through any route of entry (e.g.,
inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, or direct contact). Exposures can be
reported regardless of the presence of clinical signs and symptoms.
Firefighter casualty information can be used by Health and Safety Officers
to reduce risks at incidents.
NFIRS 5 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
person's identification and age;
injury time;
assignment and activity at time of injury;
severity of injury and disposition;
location of victim when injured;
symptoms and portion of body injured;
cause of injury, factors contributing, object involved;
where injury occurred; and
equipment profiles.
NFIRS 6--EMS Module
The optional EMS Module is used to report all medical incidents to which
a department responds.
•
The EMS Module does not replace the Civilian Fire Casualty
Module in cases where a civilian injury or death occurs because of
fire.
•
Data on fire service injuries or deaths are reported on the Fire
Service Casualty Module.
Whenever an "Incident Type" in the 300 series (i.e., 311, 322, 371, etc.) is
entered on the Basic Module Section C, the EMS Module also may be
completed. It also may be completed for injuries that occur at other
incidents.
One EMS Module should be used for each patient, and the number of
modules submitted for an incident should match the "Number of Patients"
entered in block B of the paper form.
NFIRS 6 includes information on:
•
•
•
SM 0-20
incident location and type;
in-service dates and times;
provider assessment;
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
•
•
•
•
•
•
victim demographics;
injury/illness description;
procedures used;
safety equipment involved;
care level; and
patient status and disposition.
NFIRS 7--HazMat Module
The optional HazMat Module is used when the Basic Module (Block H3-Hazardous Materials Release) indicates "other" for hazardous material. Its
purpose is to document reportable haz mat incidents. A reportable haz
mat incident is one in which:
•
•
specialized haz mat resources were dispatched or used, or should
have been dispatched or used, for assessing, mitigating, or managing the situation; or
releases or spills of hazardous materials exceed 55 gallons.
The HazMat Module permits hazardous materials incidents to be profiled
in depth for incident-management analysis and response-strategy
development. It collects relevant information on:
•
•
•
•
•
hazardous materials identification;
container information;
release amounts and location;
actions taken; and
mitigating factors.
NFIRS 8--Wildland Fire Module
Use the optional Wildland Fire Module when the Incident Type is coded
as Forest, Woods, or Wildland Fire (Incident Type 141), or a Prescribed
Fire (Incident Type 632). In these cases, the Wildland Fire Module would
be used in lieu of the Fire Module.
NFIRS 8 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
property details;
fire cause;
ignition information;
fire suppression and management;
mobile property type;
SM 0-21
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
equipment involved in ignition;
weather data;
fuel model at origin;
total acres burned;
property management;
person responsible; and
fire behavior.
NFIRS 9--Apparatus or Resources Module
The Apparatus Module is used as a local option to identify apparatus sent
to each incident.
NFIRS 9 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
apparatus identification and type;
dispatch, arrival, clear dates and times;
number of personnel;
use; and
actions taken.
If the Apparatus Module is used, the Basic Module also must be
completed.
NFIRS 10--Personnel Module
The Personnel Module is used as a local option to identify personnel sent
to each incident.
If the Personnel Module is used, the Basic Module also must be
completed.
NFIRS 10 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
apparatus identification and type;
dispatch, arrival, clear dates and times;
use;
actions taken; and
personnel ID, rank, actions taken.
The Personnel Module or the Apparatus/Resources Module may be used,
but not both.
SM 0-22
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
NFIRS 11--Arson Module
The optional Arson Module may be used whenever the Cause of Ignition,
(NFIRS 2 E1) is coded as "intentional," or as "under investigation" without
any distinction made as to whether or not a crime has occurred, or a
determination of criminal intent. The Arson Module also may be used in
cases where the cause is "undetermined after investigation."
The Arson Module also may be used to document juvenile-set fires,
whether determined to be intentional or not. This information will permit
analysis of juvenile firesetting trends, including intervention strategies and
repeated activity.
The Arson Module consists of two parts: a local investigation module,
which permits a fire department or arson investigation unit to document
certain details concerning the incident; and a juvenile firesetter section,
which identifies key items of information that could be used for local,
State, and national intervention programs.
The NFIRS 11 includes information on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
agency investigating the incident;
case status;
suspected motivation factors;
entry methods, devices, other information;
property ownership; and
laboratory used.
Juvenile Firesetter Module
This portion of NFIRS 11 may be used to document information
concerning juvenile-set fires, whether determined to be intentional or not.
This information will permit analysis of juvenile firesetting trends,
including intervention strategies and recidivism.
This module is completed only for fires where the person(s) involved
in the ignition of the fire was a child or juvenile under the age of 18.
The Juvenile Firesetter Module includes information on:
•
•
•
•
age, gender, race, and ethnicity of each juvenile involved;
family type;
suspected motivation and risk factors; and
disposition.
SM 0-23
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
NFIRS 1S--Supplemental Form
This form adds flexibility to any paper-based incident reporting system by
expanding the amount of data that can be collected. One section of the
form provides a standard means to capture name/address/telephone data
regarding several persons/entities involved in an incident. The other
section of the form furnishes space for additional remarks or narrative
relative to an incident.
The Narrative Report
The narrative report serves as an official legal record of an incident and
must describe accurately the incident and the actions taken to mitigate it.
While many of these facts may be collected in uniform coded fields, some
information can best be presented in a detailed narrative. Information that
should be included in the narrative includes
•
Observations and actions taken--list them in logical order (usually
chronological). Paint a complete picture of the scene; summarize
the incident.
•
Describe the scene conditions and the condition of the premises
when you left.
•
Describe property damage and remaining hazards.
DATA QUALITY CONTROL
The Importance of Data Quality Control
Reporting incident data does not stop with collecting information at the
scene and storing the data in your local, State, or national database. The
common phrase "garbage in garbage out" applies to the data if proper
steps are not followed to ensure that "what is collected" accurately
reflects, "what happened at the incident." NFIRS Data Quality Control
is a system for ensuring the application of proper standards for
accurate and reliable data.
During the recording of an incident, the report is dynamic, not static. The
details could change as more information becomes available, due to
further investigations by your fire department or other agencies, or due to
a change as a direct result of the initial incident. This gathering of
information could take weeks or months. Submit a change to the incident
report whenever the conditions of the incident change.
SM 0-24
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Regardless of whether the gathering of incident data is completed or the
incident is still under investigation, the record in the database should
reflect the status of the incident accurately.
It is important to remember
•
The incident report is a legal record.
•
The incident report must reflect the event accurately.
•
The incident report must be complete; all required fields are
completed.
•
The incident report is a dynamic document.
•
The incident data are used at local, State, and national levels.
Who Does Data Quality Control?
Data quality control is not a one-person job. All levels responsible for the
processing of the incident have a role. Data quality control is performed at
different levels:
•
The member making the report must collect needed and accurate
data.
•
The officer in charge of the incident must check the incident
report for accuracy and completeness.
•
The local quality control person must ensure that all local system
edits and requirements have been met.
•
The State NFIRS Program Manager must make certain that all
State edits and requirements have been met.
•
The USFA must ensure that all incidents added to the national
database adhere to the national requirements.
Tools to Support Data Quality Control
There are several tools available to ensure the application of proper
standards for accurate and reliable data.
•
Field Incident Report--used to collect needed data at the scene.
SM 0-25
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
•
NFIRS software--available from 3rd party NFIRS software
vendors or the USFA; the USFA software, the NFIRS Federal
Client Tool, is available from State NFIRS Program Managers.
- List of active vendors with NFIRS software is available from
USFA's Web site: www.nfirs.fema.gov/activevendors.htm
- All NFIRS software must comply with the current NFIRS 5.0
Reporting Standard. The NFIRS Design Documentation contains
the rules upon which the standard is built. It can be downloaded
from USFA's Web site www.nfirs.fema.gov Section 3--Technical
Documents contains the following sections that support NFIRS
Data Quality Control:
-- Edit Requirements;
-- Relational Edits;
-- Incident Module Rules;
-- Incident Flat File Transfer Format; and
-- Data Dictionary.
•
Incident reports should not contain errors.
grouped into two categories:
NFIRS errors are
- Critical Error--data that are required and must be provided on the
report to allow the report to be complete. A report with a critical
error is marked as an invalid incident. An invalid incident cannot
be used in National Statistics. Critical Data Fields are identified on
the NFIRS forms with a special symbol ( ). Normally, NFIRS
software color codes critical data fields, i.e., NFIRS Federal Client
Tool's background color is yellow for critical data fields.
- Warning Error--data that either are missing or are incorrect on the
report; a warning error will not prevent the report from being
marked as complete.
•
Reports/Queries--one of the best ways to identify data quality
control problems is to use NFIRS reports and queries. Report
writing and query building are standard features in most NFIRS
software packages. They are helpful to draw your attention to
questionable numbers such as average response time, dollar loss,
injuries and fatalities, etc.
- NFIRS Web-based reporting has been developed for users to
access NFIRS data for a designated group (fire department, county,
region, or State). Standard reports can be created and queries can
be built to view the data.
SM 0-26
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SUMMARY OUTPUT REPORTS TOOL
The NFIRS 5.0 Summary Output Reports Tool (found on USFA's NFIRS
Web site: www.nfirs.fema.gov) provides registered users access to
summary and statistical information from fire department and incident
data saved to the National Database. Report executables are predefined
according to NFIRS 5.0 report requirements established by the USFA and
do not require the use of the USFA NFIRS 5.0 client software.
Users may select a predefined report executable to generate summary and
statistical information based on their group level and below, or if they are
assigned at a fire department level, on the fire department and its incident
data. Two types of reports are available: management reports, which
provide summary information as specified by the report query, and reports
with user-specified parameters.
Some reports include statistical
information derived from incident information included in the report and
user's State.
The user will need an active-status NFIRS 5.0 user account with the
specific reports permissions assigned to it. The data set available to the
user is based on group assignment. Users who do not have an active-status
NFIRS account or who do not have the reports permissions must contact
their NFIRS 5.0 State Program Manager. A list of State Program
Managers and NFIC members is posted on the NFIC Web site at:
http://www.nfic.org
NFIRS 5.0 RESOURCES
Complete Reference Guide (Handbook)
The Complete Reference Guide (CRG),
commonly referred to as the "NFIRS Handbook"
or "Handbook" is an instructional manual for the
use of NFIRS Version 5.0 modules. NFIRS
(pronounced "INFURS") was designed as a tool
for fire departments to report and maintain
computerized records of fire responses and other
fire department activities in a uniform manner.
This system is made available to fire
departments by FEMA through the USFA.
A series of basic phrases with number codes are used to describe the
incidents in the system. The Handbook offers both alphabetic and
numeric lists of codes. Many of the descriptive phrases were developed in
cooperation with the NFPA. They are based on NFPA 901. Appropriate
codes are included in the Handbook for your convenience.
SM 0-27
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
This Handbook represents the fifth version of NFIRS. Version 5.0 is a
modification and improvement of previous versions. Most of the
improvements are the result of suggestions made by participating fire
departments, State agencies, and representatives from the NFIC. The
information contained in the Handbook is based on almost 20 years of
experience in NFIRS fire data collection by up to 49 States and 35 major
metropolitan areas. More importantly, well over 14,000 of this Nation's
fire departments are supplying NFIRS data.
Aside from being an excellent fire department management tool, the
system provides data for fire analysis to detect trends on a local, State, and
national basis. The resulting information is used to help reduce the
needless loss of life and property due to fire in this country.
Quick Reference Guide
The QRG also can be used as NFIRS 5.0 modules
are prepared. It includes a brief description of how
data are to be entered in each section, block, line,
and field of each Module. There are also code
listings--many grouped into categories and some
alphabetical--to make field entries.
The last
portion of the QRG contains abbreviations for
street types; States, territories, and Provinces; and
countries.
NFIRS Web Site
A specific NFIRS Web site--http://www.nfirs.fema.gov--can provide a
variety of assistance. It has answers to a number of questions and
provides a place to ask questions. The Handbook and QRG can be
downloaded from the site.
A document there called "Incident
Type/Module Rules" notes how and when various modules are used. A
tutorial on the site walks you through the steps of completing a module
electronically. The Web site also is the place to access a copy of the
USFA client software and a list of certified vendor software
(/vendorcert.htm). Accessible from the home page is a news section
(/news.htm) with the latest information regarding NFIRS.
SM 0-28
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Activity 0.1
Introductions
Purpose
To provide you an opportunity to meet each other, gather some basic data, and use the
data to draw conclusions and make predictions.
Directions
1.
You will be assigned to a group with three or four other people.
2.
Each group member should tally data on the chart below as members introduce
themselves.
3.
Each group member provides the following data as a means of introduction:
a.
Name, department, and title, rank, or position.
b.
Travel time from home to class (or bus or airport).
__ < 10 minutes __ 11-30 minutes __ 31-60 minutes __ > 60 minutes
c.
Primary mode of transportation.
___ car ___ bus ___ airplane
d.
Types of incidents to which the department responds.
___ fires ___ wildland fires ___ EMS ___ haz mat
e.
Total number of incidents per year.
__ < 100 __ 101-1,000 __ 1,001-5,000 __ 5,001-10,000 __ > 10,000
f.
Years of experience with NFIRS.
__ < 1 year __ 1-3 years __ 3-5 years __ 5-10 years __ > 10 years
g.
Type of data collection system.
___ paper-based ___ computer-based
4.
On the following worksheet, complete the data gathered, and make a list of the
conclusions that could be drawn about your group and predictions that could be
made about the whole class based on the data.
5.
Your group will have 15 minutes to complete its work.
6.
Be prepared to introduce yourself by name and department to the whole class.
7.
Someone from the group will report the data collected, conclusions drawn, and
predictions made.
SM 0-29
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-30
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Activity 0.1 (cont'd)
Worksheet
Travel Time
< 10 min.
11-30 min.
31-60 min.
Travel
___ car
Incidents
___ fires ___ wildland
Number
__ < 100 ___ >101 __ >1,001 ___ >5,001
Experience
__ < 1
System
___ paper-based ___ computer-based
___ bus
__ 1-3
> 60 min.
airplane
___ EMS ___ haz mat
__ 3-5
__ 5-10
___ >10,000
>10
SM 0-31
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-32
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Activity 0.2
Uses of Data
Purpose
To stimulate your thinking about the uses of NFIRS data and who uses them.
Directions
1.
Review the documents in the Appendices to this unit regarding uses of data.
a.
"The Important Uses of NFIRS Data." Fire Chief (Jan. 1989), pp. 27-30.
b.
"Facts and Figures at Your Fingertips." Fire Chief (June 1993), pp. 48-51.
c.
"Uses of NFIRS." USFA (1997), pp. 3-18.
2.
Make a list of as many local uses of data as you can find in the documents plus
any others you can add from your experience.
3.
Make separate lists of State and national uses of data and who might use them.
4.
You will have 25 minutes to review the material and prepare your lists.
5.
Be prepared to share your information with the rest of the class.
SM 0-33
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-34
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Activity 0.3
Use of NFIRS Data Quality Control Method
Purpose
To familiarize you with the differences between the required and nonrequired data fields
in the various NFIRS modules.
Directions
Identify whether the data fields are required, and identify the required module(s) that
contains the data fields.
#
Data Field
1
Incident Number
2
Census Tract
3
Incident Type
4
Alarm Date/Time
5
Controlled Date/Time
6
Primary Action Taken
7
Secondary Action Taken
8
Mixed Use
9
Property Use
10
Dollar Loss
11
Area of Fire Origin
12
Equipment Power
13
Presence of Detectors
14
Building Status
15
17
Severity
Factors Contributing to
Injury
Age or Date of Birth
18
Race
19
Ethnicity
20
Person/Entity Involved
16
Required
Not
Required
Module
SM 0-35
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-36
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Activity 0.4
Structure of NFIRS 5.0
Purpose
To familiarize you with how NFIRS 5.0 is designed, the modules it contains, and tools
available to help you complete the modules.
Directions
1.
Working in your small group, fill in the Worksheet on the following page.
2.
Use pages SM 0-3 to SM 0-28 of your Student Manual (SM) and a QRG to find
the information you need.
3.
You will have 15 minutes to complete the Worksheet.
4.
Be prepared to share your answers with the rest of the class.
SM 0-37
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-38
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Activity 0.4 (cont'd)
Worksheet
1.
There are three basic purposes of an incident report at the local level. Name two
of these purposes.
a.
b.
2.
Name the publication that recommended the establishment of a national fire data
system.
3.
Identify three benefits of a uniform incident reporting system.
a.
b.
c.
4.
List three factors that make NFIRS 5.0 easy to use.
a.
b.
c.
5.
Note two elements that could be said to reflect the comprehensiveness of NFIRS
5.0.
a.
b.
6.
Explain when the Basic Module (NFIRS 1) is used.
7.
Explain the purpose of the Handbook.
8.
Explain what is meant by the symbol (
) on the paper forms.
SM 0-39
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-40
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SUMMARY
This unit has provided a brief overview of the development of NFIRS,
including the need to collect data as identified in America Burning. The
role of the USFA in data collection also was described.
Some advantages of NFIRS 5.0--ease of use, compatibility,
comprehensiveness, preciseness of reporting, etc.--were listed and
explained.
Then the 11 modules in the system were identified, and the intended use of
each was introduced.
Finally, two valuable references that can be useful in completing the
modules--the NFIRS Handbook and the Quick Reference Guide--were
described.
SM 0-41
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-42
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
APPENDIX A
SM 0-43
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-44
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-45
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-46
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-47
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-48
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-49
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-50
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-51
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-52
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
APPENDIX B
SM 0-53
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-54
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-55
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-56
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-57
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-58
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-59
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-60
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-61
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-62
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-63
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-64
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-65
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-66
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-67
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-68
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-69
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-70
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-71
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-72
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-73
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-74
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-75
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-76
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-77
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-78
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-79
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
SM 0-80
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 0-1
UNIT 0:
INTRODUCTION AND
OVERVIEW
Slide 00-1
Slide 0-2
NFIRS 5.0 ALLALL-INCIDENT
REPORTING SYSTEM
Slide 00-2
Slide 0-3
INTRODUCTIONS
• Name, department?
• Responsibility related to fire
incident reporting?
• How are you reporting?
Paper, electronic? If
electronic, what software are
you using?
Slide 00-3
SM 0-81
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-4
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe the benefits provided by the National
Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) 5.0.
• Explain how the need to collect fire data led to
the organization and development of NFIRS.
• Identify the modules that are included in
NFIRS 5.0.
• State the purpose of the NFIRS Handbook and
Quick Reference Guide (QRG).
Slide 00-4
Slide 0-5
Activity 0.1
Introductions
Slide 00-5
Slide 0-6
NATIONAL FIRE
INFORMATION COUNCIL
49 States
35 Metro Fire departments (500,000 pop. or more)
www.nfic.org
SM 0-82
Slide 00-6
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-7
NATIONAL FIRE INFORMATION
COUNCIL (cont'd)
Purpose: The purposes for which the National
Fire Information Council (NFIC) was formed
are
• To encourage and perpetuate the use of
NFIRS by States and local fire departments
• To provide a direct line of communication
between its members and the U.S. Fire
Administration (USFA)
Slide 00-7
Slide 0-8
NATIONAL FIRE
INFORMATION COUNCIL
(cont'd)
• To assist NFIRS users in the
development of NFIRS policies and
procedures
• To provide collective input to USFA
in the determination of system goals
and priorities
Slide 00-8
Slide 0-9
DEVELOPMENT OF NFIRS
• America Burning, 1972 (Commission
on Fire Prevention and Control).
• USFA was created to evaluate the
Nation's fire problem.
Slide 00-9
SM 0-83
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-10
NEED FOR DATA
Fire service leaders need upup-toto-date, comprehensive
data for decisionmaking.
decisionmaking.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Program effectiveness.
Resource deployment.
Codes and standards development.
Need for new programs and services.
Legislative initiatives.
Identify training needs.
Product safety.
Slide 00-10
Slide 0-11
WHY CHANGE?
Slide 00-11
Slide 0-12
PARTICIPANTS IN NFIRS 5.0
DESIGN
U.S. Fire
Administration
International
Association of Fire
Chiefs
National
Association of State
Fire Marshals
SM 0-84
Local Fire
Departments
International
Association of Fire
Fighters
National Fire
Information
Council
Federal Wildland
Fire Agencies
National Fire
Protection Association
Slide 00-12
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-13
FACTORS CONSIDERED
1. Changing role of the fire service:
• Multidiscipline agencies
• Complex incident types
• Greater reliance on
information to manage limited
resources
Slide 00-13
Slide 0-14
FACTORS CONSIDERED
(cont'd)
2. Changing technology
Internet
Slide 00-14
Slide 0-15
FACTORS CONSIDERED
(cont'd)
3. Demand for information
State
Agencies
State
LawLawMakers
Information
Partners
Fire
Service
Media
Public
National
PolicyPolicyMakers
Local
Official
Fire
Chief
Slide 00-15
SM 0-85
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-16
NFIRS 5.0 OBJECTIVES
•
•
•
Develop an allall-incident •
reporting standard
- Open specification
Address information
needs of local, State,
Federal agencies, and
information partners
- Visible, significant use
at local level
•
- Local/State option
Focus on ease of use for
local departments
- Simplified and
abbreviated reporting
Fire department
resource management
tools
- Track apparatus use
and actions taken at the
scene
- Track personnel and
activities performed on
the scene
Backwards compatible
with NFIRS 4.1
- Allows for phased
implementation
Slide 00-16
Slide 0-17
NFIRS 5.0 DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY
• Designed to meet the needs of the local fire
department.
• Each data element was carefully scrutinized for
inclusion in the system.
– Is it COLLECTABLE by a typical firefighter at
the scene?
– Is it REPORTABLE in an information system?
– Is it USABLE by the local fire department?
Slide 00-17
Slide 0-18
Activity 0.2
Uses of Data
Slide 00-18
SM 0-86
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-19
NFIRS 5.0
Key Features
and Benefits
Slide 00-19
Slide 0-20
SIMPLICITY OF REPORTING
• Single entry of data
– Accuracy
– Acceptance
– Participation
• Point and click
• Checkoff boxes
Slide 00-20
Slide 0-21
ABBREVIATED REPORTING
For a contained fire in a building, NFIRS
5.0 will allow firefighters to use the
abbreviated report form.
Slide 00-21
SM 0-87
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-22
SIMPLIFIED CHOICES
Slide 00-22
Slide 0-23
COMBINING DATA ELEMENTS
• Property type
STORE
+ PLUS +
Broad use category
= EQUALS =
OnOn-site materials
BAKERY
Property type
• Fire protection systems
• Equipment involved in starting the fire
Slide 00-23
Slide 0-24
MULTIPLE ACTIONS TAKEN
Can list multiple actions taken
• Shows the productivity of the department
• A single scene can involve extinguishment,
overhaul, rescue, and EMS
• Explain unusual circumstances
Slide 00-24
SM 0-88
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-25
FLEXIBILITY
• Room for expansion
• Special studies field
• National Code Plus One
Slide 00-25
Slide 0-26
OTHER LOCAL OPTIONS
Capture resources, staff, and
apparatus used on the scene.
Slide 00-26
Slide 0-27
OTHER BENEFITS FOR USERS
•
•
•
•
Contributing factors
– Captures up to two factors
– Ability to capture relationships between injury and
contributing factors
Human factors
– Gangs, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, etc.
– Improved collection of data on juvenile firesetters
and the elderly
Cause of ignition
– Intentional, unintentional, under investigation, or
undetermined after investigation
GIS compatible
Slide 00-27
SM 0-89
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-28
NFIRS 5.0 REQUIRED MODULES
All Incidents Fire Incidents
Module 1
Module
LOCAL
EMS
Module
HazMat
Module
Wildland
Module
Arson
Module
Module use primarily driven by incident type….
REQ'D
Module 1 Basic (All Incidents)
Module 2 Fire
Module 3 Structure
Module 4 Civilian Casualty
Module 5 Fire Service Casualty
Slide 00-28
Slide 0-29
NFIRS 1-Basic Module
1--Basic
Is completed for every incident
Slide 00-29
Slide 0-30
NFIRS 2-Fire Module
2--Fire
Required for all fires that extend
beyond container
Slide 00-30
SM 0-90
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-31
NFIRS 3-Structure Fire
3--Structure
Module
Is used for fires involving buildings
Slide 00-31
Slide 0-32
NFIRS 4-Civilian Fire
4--Civilian
Casualty Module
Captures data regarding civilian
casualties resulting from a fire
Slide 00-32
Slide 0-33
NFIRS 5-Fire Service
5--Fire
Casualty Module
Used to report injuries, deaths, or
exposures to fire service personnel
Slide 00-33
SM 0-91
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-34
NFIRS 5.0 OPTIONAL MODULES
All Incidents Fire Incidents
Module 1
Module
LOCAL
EMS
Module
HazMat
Module
Wildland
Module
Arson
Module
REQ'D
Module use primarily driven by incident type….
Module 1 Basic
Module 7 HazMat
Module 2 Fire
Module 8 Wildland
Module 3 Structure
Module 9 Apparatus
Module 4 Civilian Casualty
Module 10 Personnel
Module 5 Fire Service Casualty
Module 11 Arson and
Module 6 EMS
Juvenile Firesetter
Slide 00-34
Slide 0-35
NFIRS 6-EMS Module
6--EMS
Gathers data relating to provision of
emergency medical care
Slide 00-35
Slide 0-36
NFIRS 7-HazMat Module
7--HazMat
Used to document REPORTABLE
hazardous materials incidents
Slide 00-36
SM 0-92
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-37
NFIRS 8-Wildland Fire
8--Wildland
Module
Used to document reportable wildland
fires
Slide 00-37
Slide 0-38
NFIRS 9-9-Apparatus/Resources Module
Used as a local option to identify the
apparatus and personnel sent to an
incident
Slide 00-38
Slide 0-39
NFIRS 10-Personnel Module
10--Personnel
Used as a local option to help track and
manage personnel used on incidents
Slide 00-39
SM 0-93
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-40
NFIRS 11-Arson and
11--Arson
Juvenile Firesetter Module
Used whenever the Cause of Ignition is coded
as "Intentional" or "Under Investigation"
Slide 00-40
Slide 0-41
NFIRS DATA QUALITY
CONTROL
NFIRS Data Quality Control is a
system for ensuring the application
of proper standards for accurate and
reliable data.
Slide 00-41
Slide 0-42
NFIRS DATA QUALITY
CONTROL (cont'd)
• The incident report is a legal record.
• The incident report must reflect the
event accurately.
• The incident report is complete; all
required fields are completed.
Slide 00-42
SM 0-94
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-43
NFIRS DATA QUALITY
CONTROL (cont'd)
• The incident report is a dynamic
document.
• The incident data are used at local,
State, and national levels.
Slide 00-43
Slide 0-44
NFIRS DATA QUALITY
CONTROL (cont'd)
Responsibility belongs to:
• Member making the report
• Officer in charge of the incident
• Local quality control person
• State NFIRS Program Manager
• USFA
Slide 00-44
Slide 0-45
NFIRS DATA QUALITY
CONTROL (cont'd)
Available tools:
• Field Incident Report
• NFIRS software
• Reports/Queries
Slide 00-45
SM 0-95
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-46
Activity 0.3
Use of NFIRS Data Quality
Control Method
Slide 00-46
Slide 0-47
SUMMARY OUTPUT REPORTS
TOOL
• Provides access for summary and
statistical information
• Standard output reports with querying
and filtering options
• Located on USFA Web site
• User account needed to access the
reporting tool
Slide 00-47
Slide 0-48
RESOURCES
Slide 00-48
SM 0-96
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-49
NFIRS HANDBOOK
A complete reference
guide for the system
which may be used
when completing
modules
Slide 00-49
Slide 0-50
NFIRS HANDBOOK (cont'd)
The NFIRS Handbook:
Handbook:
• Contains definitions,
purpose, entry, and
examples of elements
• Provides synonym
lists and glossary of
terms
Slide 00-50
Slide 0-51
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
The QRG contains
• Brief description of how
data are to be entered
• Codes are listed
– By field
– Grouped by category
Slide 00-51
SM 0-97
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-52
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
(cont'd)
• Standard abbreviations
– Street types
– States, territories,
Provinces
– Countries
• Helpful tips
Slide 00-52
Slide 0-53
U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL FIRE DATA CENTER
www.nfirs.fema.gov
Slide 00-53
Slide 0-54
Activity 0.4
Structure of NFIRS 5.0
Slide 00-54
SM 0-98
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Slide 0-55
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NIMS/NRP
• First responder
DHS training
requirement
• Factsheet
• Video
Slide 00-55
Slide 0-56
QUESTIONS?
Slide 00-56
SM 0-99
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 1:
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Basic Module is to be used.
2.
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, demonstrate how to complete the Basic Module.
3.
Identify other NFIRS modules that would need to be completed, based on information captured in
the Basic Module.
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
SM 1-2
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
The Basic Module is used for every incident. State agencies that are
responsible for incident reporting will determine which optional modules
(EMS, HazMat, Wildland, Apparatus, Arson) are required to be submitted.
If the State does not mandate the use of optional modules, the local fire
department still may elect to use the module(s).
For certain incident types, NFIRS 1 is the only module that must be
completed:
•
•
•
•
•
•
confined fires, i.e., food on stove;
small vegetation fires;
outside rubbish fires;
explosions;
some other fire types; and
non-fires.
This feature meets the need for an abbreviated method of incident
reporting for those fires and other emergencies routinely encountered by
the fire department.
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
A
MM
DD
YYYY
Delete
Change
FDID
State
Inc ident Date
Stat io n
Incident Number
Exposure
NFIRS - 1
Basic
No Activity
This section identifies the fire department and each incident and exposure.
Some fields in this section must be completed. These fields uniquely
identify the incident. They must be known to recall the incident from the
computer program or to print a paper copy of the incident report.
The fire department identifier (FDID) is assigned by the State Program
Manager. It must be entered for all incidents.
A unique incident number is assigned by the fire department for every
incident to which the department is called. The incident number, used in
conjunction with the incident date, uniquely identifies the incident.
SM 1-3
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
An incident may have several fire exposures. The exposure number, also
assigned by the fire department, indicates how many exposures there were
for a single fire. The original fire is coded as 000 and each exposure is
coded in progressive numeric order--i.e., 001, 002, etc. Each exposure
requires a separate incident report.
Section B: Location
B
Location
Intersection
Block address
In front of
Rear of
Adjacent to
Directions
Check this box to indicate that the address for this incident is provided on the
Wildland Fire Module inSection B “Alternative Location Specification.”
Number/Milepost Prefix
Census Tract
(Local option)
Street or Highway
Apt./Suite/Room City
Street Type
State
Suffix
Zip Code
Cross street or directions, as applicable
This section provides fields to identify the specific location and vicinity
(in front of, rear of, next to) information pertaining to an incident.
"Location" is a required section, so as much information as possible
should be entered.
If the Wildland Module is used in lieu of the Fire Module, the "Alternate
Location Specification" may be used instead.
This section is primarily narrative and should indicate the correct address
of the incident location.
Use road, street names, directional
prefixes/suffixes, and other identifiable locations.
The Census Tract information can be filled in as a local option. Census
tract numbers can provide valuable socioeconomic and other
characteristics of the population where problems are occurring (by
providing links to other databases, such as the U.S. Census Bureau
databases).
The U.S. Census Bureau may be contacted for census tract coding
information for your jurisdiction. It has 12 regional offices and the
telephone number for an office in your area may be obtained through your
phone company, or by accessing www.census.gov on the Internet.
SM 1-4
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Section C: Incident Type
C
Incident Type
Incident Type
Enter the type of incident (a three-digit code) that best identifies the types
of incidents to which fire departments respond. The major categories are
listed below and defined in the Handbook.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
100 Series: Fires;
200 Series: Overpressure Ruptures (no combustion);
300 Series: Rescue and EMS;
400 Series: Hazardous Conditions (not a fire);
500 Series: Service Calls;
600 Series: Good Intent Calls;
700 Series: False Alarms and False Calls;
800 Series: Severe Weather and Natural Disasters; and
900 Series: Other Situations.
The code entered in this section also may determine which additional
modules are to be completed. This is a required field so you must enter a
code. The incident type entered does not have to be the same incident
type as the one dispatched, but should reflect the situation found upon
arrival at the incident scene.
If the incident scene involves combinations of potential incident types
such as fire, EMS, and haz mat, the precedence should be to code the
lowest-numbered incident type (100 Series: Fires first, then EMS, then
haz mat)
Section D: Aid Given or Received
Aid Given or Received refers to the giving or receiving of assistance to or
from another fire department to help resolve an incident. That assistance
can be in the form of personnel or equipment from one or more fire
departments. This section is intended to link data records between giving
and receiving fire departments.
Options are provided to indicate whether mutual, automatic, or other aid
was given or received, or if there was no aid. When mutual or automatic
aid is given, there is space to capture the contributing department's FDID,
their State, and their incident number.
SM 1-5
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
D
1
2
3
4
5
N
Aid Given or Received
Mutual aid received
Automatic aid recv.
Mutual aid given
Automatic aid given
Other aid given
None
Their FDID
Their
St at e
Their Incident Number
The receiving department completes the entire Basic Module. A
department giving mutual aid also should fill out a Basic Module
indicating what they did at the incident and a Fire Service Casualty
Module for any of their department members injured or killed.
Block E1: Dates & Times
E1
Dates & Times
Midnight is 0000
Month
Check boxes if
dat es are t he
same as Alarm Alarm
Dat e.
Day
Year
Hour
Min
ALARM alw ays required
ARRIVAL required, unless c anceled or did not arrive
Arrival
CONTROLLED opt ional, exc ept for w ildland fires
Controlled
Last Unit
Cleared
LAST UNIT CLEARED, required except for w ildland fires
Block E1 permits the capture of date and time of alarm, arrival, control,
and last unit cleared. Hours and minutes for all sections are recorded in
24-hour time--midnight is 0000.
The line for alarm date and time always must be completed. Note that the
alarm date is always the same as the incident date in Block A.
Arrival information is required unless the unit was cancelled or the unit
did not arrive. The controlled time is optional except for wildland fires.
In contrast, the last-unit-cleared time is required except for wildland fires.
Block E2: Shifts & Alarms
E2
Shifts & Alarms
Local Opt ion
S hift or
plat oon
SM 1-6
Alarms
Dist rict
Block E2 allows shift or platoon, alarms, and
district to be noted as a local option.
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Block E3: Special Studies
Block E3 provides temporary data elements that can be used for collection
of information that is of special interest. Special studies typically are
required to capture information on emerging trends, problem areas, or a
specific issue being studied. Special studies fields can be defined by the
local fire department, the State, or the National Fire Data Center.
Section F: Actions Taken
Enter a two-digit code to
explain the most significant
actions taken by fire service
personnel at the incident scene.
The primary action taken in
response to the incident should
be entered. Lines also are
provided to list two additional
actions taken.
Together with incident type, these data help a fire department to document
the variety of activities performed and resources required to respond to a
range of emergencies.
Block G1: Resources
G1
Resources
Check t his box and skip t his sect ion if
Apparat us or Personnel forms are used.
Apparatus
Personnel
Suppression
EMS
Other
Block G1 has lines for the total
numbers of apparatus and personnel
separated into suppression, EMS, and
other categories.
This section is
required unless the Apparatus and
Personnel forms are used. If that is
the case, check the appropriate box.
Check box if resource count s include
mut ual aid resources.
Another box is available to indicate whether resource counts include
mutual-aid-received resources.
SM 1-7
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Block G2: Estimated Dollar Losses & Values
G2
Estimated Dollar Losses & Values
LOSSES: Required for all fires. Otherwise optional. None
Property
$
Contents
,
,
,
,
PRE-INCIDENT VALUE: Optional
Property
Contents
$
$
,
,
,
,
Property and content losses
are recorded in block G2.
Loss information must be
completed for all fire loss
when the loss is known.
Entry of loss information is
optional for other incident
types.
Losses are considered to be a rough estimation of the total loss to the
property and contents, in terms of the cost of replacement in like kind and
quantity. This estimation of the fire loss includes contents damaged by
fire, smoke, water, and overhaul. This does not include indirect loss, such
as business interruption.
Pre-incident Value is an estimation of the replacement cost of the
property and contents.
Enter the best estimates of dollar losses and pre-incident values (local
option) that are practical to make or obtain. Monetary losses should be
estimated as accurately as possible, though it is understood that the
estimates may be rough approximations. One resource available to
estimate structural losses and pre-incident value is the Building Valuation
Data published by the International Code Council (ICC) at
http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/techservices and found in Appendix A to this
unit.
Block H1: Casualties
H1
Casualties
Fire
Service
None
Deaths Injuries
Casualties--injuries and deaths--are noted in
block H1 for both fire service and civilian or
non-fire-service emergency responders.
The civilian category includes citizens and
non-fire-service emergency responders who
are injured or killed because of a fire. Completion of a Civilian Fire
Casualty Module is required for each casualty reported in this section. A
Fire Service Casualty Module is required for each fire service casualty,
regardless of incident type.
Civilian
SM 1-8
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Block H2: Detector Performance
Detector performance--block H2
--is required for confined fires.
Enter the code that indicates
whether the detector alerted or
did not alert occupants, or if it is
unknown.
This field also may be used to indicate if the detector alerted occupants for
carbon monoxide incidents.
Block H3: Hazardous Materials
H3
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
Hazardous Materials Release
None
Natural gas: slow leak, no evacuation or haz mat actions
Propane gas: <21 lb. tank (as in home BBQ grill)
Gasoline: vehicle fuel tank or portable container
Kerosene: fuel burning equipment or portable storage
Diesel fuel/fuel oil:vehicle fuel tank or portable storage
Household solvents: home/office spill, cleanup only
Motor oil: from engine or portable container
Paint: from paint cans totaling <55 gallons
Other: Special haz mat actions required or spill >55 gal.,
Please complete the Hazmat form
H3 is filled out whenever hazardous materials are involved--regardless of
the incident type.
If the box for "Other" is marked, the HazMat Module (NFIRS 7) also may
be completed if the department's State or local jurisdiction chooses to use
the HazMat Module.
Section I: Mixed Use Property
I
Mixed Use Property
NN
10
20
33
40
51
53
58
59
60
63
65
00
Not mixed
Assembly Use
Education use
Medical use
Residential use
Row of stores
Enclosed mall
Business & residential
Office use
Industrial use
Military use
Farm use
Other mixed use
The Mixed-Use designation captures data on
the overall use of the structure(s) on a
property. If a structure has two or more
property uses, or if a property has two or
more structures with different property uses,
then the Mixed-Use designation applies.
SM 1-9
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Note the following examples:
1.
A bank in a grocery store would be a structure with two or more
property uses--assembly use and business/office use. The mixeduse designation would be business use.
2.
A warehouse on the property of an amusement theme park would
qualify as two or more structures with different property uses.
3.
A stand-alone service station would not be mixed-use even though
it may have a driveway and parking area.
Section J: Property Use
Property Use
J
131
161
162
213
215
241
311
331
124
655
669
807
919
931
Structures
341
342
Church, place of worship
361
Restaurant or cafeteria
419
Bar/tavern or nightclub
429
Elementary school or kindergart. 439
High school or junior high
449
College, adult ed.
459
Care facility for the aged
464
Hospital
519
Outside
Playground or park
Crops or orchard
Forest (timberland)
Outdoor storage area
Dump or sanitary landfill
Open land or field
936
938
946
951
960
961
962
Clinic, clinic type infirmary
Doctor/dentist office
Prison or jail, not juvenile
1- or 2- family dwelling
Multi-family dwelling
Rooming/boarding house
Commercial hotel or motel
Residential, board and care
Dormitory/barracks
Food and beverage sales
539
579
571
599
615
629
700
819
882
891
Household goods, sales, repairs
Motor vehicle/boat sales/repairs
Gas or service station
Business office
Electric generating plant
Laboratory/science lab
Manufacturing plant
Livestock/poultry storage (barn)
Non-residential parking garage
Warehouse
Vacant lot
981
Construction site
Graded/cared for plot of land
984
Industrial plant yard
Lake, river, stream
Look up and enter a
Railroad right of way
Property Use
Property Use code
Other street
only if you have
NOT checked a
Highway/divided highway
Residential street/driveway Property Use box:
This required field identifies the specific use of the property where the
incident occurred and whether it is a structure or open piece of land.
Several property use options are provided. The property use codes listed
on the paper form are the most frequently used. In an automated system,
all codes will be provided. For paper-based entry, a code would need to
be looked up and used only if a box on the list is not appropriate.
The box marked refers to the use of the particular property where the fire
occurred, not the overall use of the "mixed property use" designation.
Section K: Person/Entity Involved and Owner
K1
Person/Entity Involved
Local Option
Check this box if
same address as
incident location.
Then skip the
three duplicate
address lines.
Business name (if applicable)
Mr., Ms., Mrs. First Name
Number
Prefix
Post Office Box
State
Area Code
MI
Phone Number
Last Name
Street or Highway
Apt./Suite/Room
Street Type
City
Zip Code
More people involved? Check this box and attach Supplemental Forms (NFIRS-1S) as necessary.
SM 1-10
Suffix
Suffix
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Block K1 can be completed as a local option to identify the person/entity
involved. Lines are available for a business name (if applicable), a
telephone number, and an individual's name and address.
If more than one person is involved, a box is marked on the paper form
and supplemental forms are attached as necessary. If using an automated
system, a new block may be opened for each additional name you are
entering.
If the person/entity involved and the owner are the same, check the "Same
as Person Involved Box" in block K2. If the owner is a different person,
enter the business name (if applicable), telephone number, name, and
address.
Section L: Remarks
A narrative description of the incident can be entered in block L at the
option of the local department. If more remarks are necessary,
supplemental forms can be completed and attached as necessary (paper
forms only).
SM 1-11
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
On the paper form, a box within Section L can be used to determine
whether a Fire Module is required. In an automated system, this is done
automatically and is transparent to the user.
The Narrative Report
The incident report serves as an official legal record of an incident and
must describe accurately the incident and the actions taken to mitigate it.
While many of these facts may be collected in uniform coded fields, some
information can be presented best in a detailed narrative. Information that
should be included in the narrative includes
•
Observations and actions taken; list them in logical order (usually
chronological). Paint a complete picture of the scene; summarize
the incident.
•
Describe the scene conditions and the condition of the premises
when you left.
•
Describe property damage and remaining hazards.
Section M: Authorization
This section includes spaces for the identification number, name, position
or rank, and assignment for both the officer in charge and the member
making the report. The date of completion also should be indicated.
If the officer is the person filling out the report, check the box provided.
SM 1-12
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Activity 1.1
Completion of Basic Module
Purpose
To complete the Basic Module correctly and identify other modules that would need to
be completed based on the information provided.
Directions
1.
Work with your small group to complete the Basic Module in a way that
accurately describes the scenario assigned by your instructor. Note: FDID, dates,
and times will be provided by your instructor, as necessary.
2.
Allow 15 minutes to complete the module and be prepared to give a brief
presentation to the rest of the class.
Scenarios
A.
Fire in metal trash can.
Department FDID 34567 is called at 0918 on October 3, 2004, to a reported fire at
the Shady Rest Motel, 755 Lancaster Street, in Cheese City, Wisconsin 12345.
Upon arrival at 0921, Engine 1 finds that the fire is confined to a metal trash can-no flame damage occurs outside of the trash can. Engine 1's officer sends two
firefighters to control the fire and ventilate the area. The fire is controlled at 0925
and the last unit clears the scene at 0945. There was no structure or content
damage. Mr. Robert Lee, the building owner, was in the office section of the
motel when he heard a smoke alarm sounding. There was no mutual aid received
nor were there any injuries. There were no exposures. The shift on duty was C
platoon with a one-alarm assignment. The District was #112. The incident is
reported as #4000876.
B.
Food on stove.
On Saturday, September 25, 2004, at 1513 hours, a call is received for a fire at
112 Main St., Accomac, Virginia 23301. Engine 12, Engine 23, Ladder 2, and
Battalion 2 respond with total personnel of 11. They arrive at 1518 to find smoke
coming from the rear of the house. Crew from E-23 enters the house to find that
the smoke is coming from the kitchen area because of unattended cooking. The
incident is confined to the pot on the stove. E-23 removes the pot from the stove
SM 1-13
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
with Ladder 2 establishing ventilation. The fire did not extend beyond the pot.
Damage is confined to the pot and the food, with minimal smoke damage in the
kitchen area. The homeowner, Ms. Sally Jones, reports that she was alerted to the
fire by the smoke detector. The value of the property is set at $185,000 and
contents at $47,000. There is no loss because of the fire. The incident was
controlled at 1530 and the units cleared at 1620. There was no mutual aid
received nor were there any injuries. The incident number assigned was 0000181.
There were no exposures. The shift on duty was C platoon with a one-alarm
assignment. The District was #112.
Notes on Activity Debriefing:
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________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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SM 1-14
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
SUMMARY
The Basic Module (NFIRS 1) is used for every incident. State agencies that are
responsible for incident reporting will determine which optional modules must be
submitted.
For many incident types, the Basic Module is the only report that must be
completed. It meets the need for an abbreviated form of incident reporting.
SM 1-15
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
SM 1-16
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
APPENDIX
SM 1-17
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
SM 1-18
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
BUILDING VALUATION DATA
The International Code Council is pleased to provide the
following Building Valuation Data (BVD) for its members.
As indicated in the May, 2003 issue of the Building Safety
Journal, ICC will now publish one data sheet in an effort to
move toward complete consolidation and provide the most
efficient set of information for jurisdictions to use. As such,
the former Legacy Building Valuation Data tables will no
longer be published. ICC strongly recommends that all
jurisdictions and other interested parties, who utilized the
former Legacy Building Valuation Data tables, actively
evaluate and assess the impact of the new BVD table before
utilizing it in their current code enforcement related activities.
The BVD table provides two main functions. In addition to
providing the "average" construction costs per sq. ft., the data
can be used in determining permit fees for a jurisdiction as
well as calculating the anticipated plan review fee charges by
the ICC plan review service. Permit fee schedules are
addressed in Section 108.2 of the 2003 International Building
Code whereas Section 108.3 addresses building permit
valuations. The permit fees can be established by using the
BVD table and a Permit Fee Multiplier, which is based on the
total construction value within the jurisdiction for the past
year. The Square Foot Construction Cost table presents
factors that reflect relative value of one construction
classification/occupancy group to another so that more
expensive construction is assessed greater permit fees than
less expensive construction.
ICC has developed this data to aid jurisdictions in determining
permit fees. It is important to note that while this BVD table
does determine an estimated value of a building (i.e., Gross
Area x Square Foot Construction Cost), this data is only
intended to be used for determining permit fees for a
jurisdiction. This data table is not intended to be used as an
estimating guide since the data only reflects average costs and
is not representative of specific construction.
This degree of precision is sufficient for the intended purpose
which is to establish permit fees so as to fund code compliance
activities. This BVD table provides jurisdictions with a
simplified way to determine the estimated value of a building
that does not rely on the permit applicant to determine the cost
of construction.
Therefore, the bidding process for a
particular job and other associated factors do not affect the
value of a building for determining the permit fee. Whether a
specific project is bid at a cost above or below the computed
value of construction does not affect the permit fee since the
cost of related code enforcement activities is not directly
affected by the bid process and results.
plumbing, mechanical, interior finish, normal site preparation,
architectural and design fees, overhead and multiprofit.
PERMIT FEE MULTIPLIER
Determine the Permit Fee Multiplier:
1.
Based on historical records, determine the total
annual construction value which has occurred
within the jurisdiction for the past year.
2.
Determine the percentage (%) of the building
department budget expected to be provided by
building permit revenue.
Permit Fee Multiplier = Bldg. Dept. Budget x (%)
Total Annual Construction Value
Example
The building department operates on a $300,000 budget, and it
expects to cover 75 percent of that from building permit fees.
The total annual construction value which occurred within the
jurisdiction in the previous year is $30,000,000.
Permit Fee Multiplier = $300,000 x 75% =0.0075
$30,000,000
PERMIT FEE
The permit fee is determined using the building gross area, the
Square Foot Construction Cost and the Permit Fee Multiplier
to compute permit fees.
Permit Fee = Gross Area x Square Foot Construction Cost x
Permit Fee Multiplier
Example
Type of Construction: IIB
Area: 2nd story = 8,000 sq. ft.
Height: 2 stories
1st story = 8,000 sq. ft.
Permit Fee Multiplier = 0.0075
Use Group: B
1.
Gross area:
Business = 2 stories x 8,000 sq. ft. = 16,000 sq. ft.
2.
Square Foot Construction Cost (see Table 1):
B/IIB = $106.56/ft2
3.
Permit Fee:
Business = 16,000 ft2 x $106.56/ft2 x 0.0075 =
$12,787
Building Valuation
Important points to know
The following building valuation data in Table 2 represents
average valuations for most buildings. In conjunction with
Section 108.3, this data is offered as an aid for the building
official to determine if the permit valuation is
underestimated. When using this data, again it should be
noted that these are "average" costs based on typical
construction methods for each occupancy group and type of
construction. The average costs include structural, electrical,
Tables 1 and 2 do not, in most cases, apply to additions,
alterations or repairs to existing buildings. Because the scope
of alterations or repairs to an existing building varies so
greatly, the Square Foot Construction Cost does not reflect
accurate values for that purpose. However, the Square Foot
Construction Cost can be used to determine the cost of an
addition which is basically a stand-alone building which
SM 1-19
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
happens to be attached to an existing building. In the
case of an addition, the only alterations to the existing
building would involve the attachment of the addition
to the existing building and the opening between the
addition and the existing building.
SAMPLE PLAN REVIEW CALCULATION
Type of Construction: IIIB
Height: 3 stories, 35 feet
Use Group: B
Area/Floor: 15,000 sq. ft.
Solution:
•
•
For purposes of establishing the Permit Fee
Multiplier, the estimated total annual construction
value for a given time period (year) is the sum of
each building's value (Gross Area x Square Foot
Construction Cost) for that time period (e.g., 1
year).
The Square Foot Construction Cost does not
include the price of the land on which the building
is built. The Square Foot Construction Cost takes
into account everything from site and foundation
work to the roof structure and coverings but does
not include the price of the land. The cost of the
land does not affect the cost of related code
enforcement activities and is not included in
Square Foot Construction Cost.
ICC PLAN REVIEW FEE SCHEDULE
The Plan Review fee is based on the estimated construction
value calculated in accordance with the Square Foot
Construction Costs in Table 1 (gross area x Square Foot
Construction Cost).
For buildings with an estimated
construction value up to $3,000,000, the Building Plan
Review fee is 0.0013 of the estimated value ($250 minimum).
For buildings with an estimated construction value over
$3,000,000 up to $6,000,000, the fee is $3,900 plus 0.0006 of
the estimated value over $3,000,000. For buildings over
$6,000,000, the fee is $5,400 plus 0.0004 of the evaluation
over $6,000,000.
Special consideration may be given in computing Plan Review
fees for buildings such as large warehouses or indoor
recreational facilities due to their plan review simplicity. Such
considerations may also be given to buildings with repetitive
floor plans such as high-rise buildings.
Structural reviews in areas of high seismic or wind risk will
have an additional surcharge. Please contact your local ICC
regional office for more details.
The plan review fee for Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical
Reviews is computed at 25 percent of the Building Plan
Review fee for each discipline ($250 minimum).
The plan review fee for Accessibility and Energy Reviews is
also computed at 25 percent of the Building Plan Review fee
for each discipline ($250 minimum).
The Sprinkler Review fee is simply based on the number of
sprinkler heads: 1-100, $275; 101-200, $325; 201-300,
$350; 301-400, $375; 401-500, $425; over 500, $500 plus
$0.33 per sprinkler over 500. For hydraulically-designed
systems, multiply the fee by two.
SM 1-20
1.
Gross square footage: 3 stories x 15,000 square feet
= 45,000 sq. ft.
2.
Compute estimated construction value:
Square Foot Construction Costs = $94.65/sq. ft.
Estimated Construction Value: 45,000 sq. ft.
x $94.65/ft2 = $4,259,250
3.
Compute Plan Review fee:
Building: $3,000,000 x 0.0013 = $3,900
$4,259,250 - $3,000,000 = $1,259,250
$1,259,250 x .0005
= $630
Total Building Review Fee
= $4,530
Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical:
(.25)($4,530) = $1,132 each
Accessibility and Energy: (.25)($4,530) =
$1,132 each
Questions concerning the service should be directed to:
Christopher R. Reeves, P.E.
Manager, Plan Review Services
708-799-2300 Extension 309
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 1-1
UNIT 1:
BASIC MODULE-NFIRS 1
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 11-1
Slide 1-2
NFIRS 1-BASIC MODULE
1--BASIC
Slide 11-2
Slide 1-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Basic Module is to be used.
• Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident,
demonstrate how to complete the Basic
Module.
• Identify other NFIRS modules that would
need to be completed, based on information
captured in the Basic Module.
Slide 11-3
SM 1-21
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-4
NFIRS 1-BASIC MODULE (cont’
1--BASIC
(cont’d)
• Used for all incidents to collect common
information.
• State legislation determines which optional
modules must be submitted to the State.
• Entries on Basic Module may require that other
modules be completed.
Slide 11-4
Slide 1-5
A--HEADER
--HEADER INFORMATION
• Contains the information that uniquely identifies
the incident (,
(, FDID, State, incident date,
number, and exposure).
• Incidents may have several exposure fires.
– Requires a separate report.
– Uses the same incident number and
consecutive exposure numbers.
• Identifies if reporting a change, deletion, or no
activity.
Slide 11-5
Slide 1-6
B--LOCATION
--LOCATION
• Identifies specific location of the incident
• Indicates whether Wildland Module is
used and "Alternate Location
Specification" is provided
• Accepts GISGIS-Compatible format
Slide 11-6
SM 1-22
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-7
C--INCIDENT
--INCIDENT TYPE
Identifies the single most significant situation
found.
• Includes codes for all types of incidents
handled by fire service agencies.
• Fire takes precedence over all other incident
types (if multiple situations exist at the same
incident).
Slide 11-7
Slide 1-8
D--AID
--AID GIVEN OR RECEIVED
Options:
• Mutual aid given or
received
• Automatic aid given or
received
• Other aid given
• None
Collects receiving
department's FDID
and incident #
Slide 11-8
Slide 1-9
E1--DATES
--DATES & TIMES
Collects date and time of alarm , arrival,
controlled, and last unit cleared.
• Automated systems capture time in seconds.
• 0000 hours = midnight.
Slide 11-9
SM 1-23
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-10
E2--SHIFT
--SHIFT & ALARMS
Identifies the onduty shift
or platoon; the number of
alarms transmitted for the
incident; and the district
number
Slide 11-10
Slide 1-11
E3--SPECIAL
--SPECIAL STUDIES
• Local Option
• Study ID #
• Special Study Value
Slide 11-11
Slide 1-12
F--ACTIONS
--ACTIONS TAKEN
• Records the three most
significant actions
performed on the
incident scene by
responding personnel.
• Codes include entire spectrum of fire
service activities, including EMS and
Hazardous Materials.
Slide 11-12
SM 1-24
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-13
G1--RESOURCES
--RESOURCES
• Collects the total
number of personnel
and apparatus, by type,
that responded to the
incident.
• This information will be calculated
automatically if using the apparatus or
personnel module in an automated system.
Slide 11-13
Slide 1-14
G2--ESTIMATED
--ESTIMATED DOLLAR
LOSSES & VALUES
• Provides an estimate of the
total dollar loss and the
prepre-incident value of the
property and contents
• Complete for all fires
• Using replacement value is recommended
Slide 11-14
Slide 1-15
H1--CASUALTIES
--CASUALTIES
Identifies the number
of deaths or injuries
as a result of the
incident (or during
management of the
incident)
Slide 11-15
SM 1-25
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-16
H2--DETECTOR
--DETECTOR
• Identifies the
presence of
detectors at the
time of the incident
and whether they
• Required for
alerted the
confined fires
occupants
Slide 11-16
Slide 1-17
H3--HAZARDOUS
--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
RELEASE
• Documents the
occurrence of a
hazardous
materials release at
the incident.
• The HazMat Module (NFIRS 7) should
be completed if "other" is checked.
Slide 11-17
Slide 1-18
I--MIXED
--MIXED USE PROPERTY
Captures data on the overall
use of the structures on a
property if:
• A structure has TWO OR
MORE property uses
• A property has two or
more structures with
different uses
Slide 11-18
SM 1-26
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-19
J--PROPERTY
--PROPERTY USE
The specific use of the property where
the incident occurred
Slide 11-19
Slide 1-20
K1--PERSON/ENTITY
--PERSON/ENTITY INVOLVED
Collects the name and contact information
for persons or entities (businesses,
companies) involved in the incident or
related to the property
Slide 11-20
Slide 1-21
K2--OWNER
--OWNER
Collects the name and contact information
for the person or entity that owns the
property where the incident occurred
Slide 11-21
SM 1-27
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-22
L--REMARKS
--REMARKS
• Provides for
a narrative
description
of the
incident
• Includes an instructional box intended to
provide guidance for completing the
report
Slide 11-22
Slide 1-23
M--AUTHORIZATION
--AUTHORIZATION
Collects the name and identifying
information for the Officer in Charge of
the incident and the member completing
the incident report
Slide 11-23
Slide 1-24
NFIRS 1S SUPPLEMENTAL FORM
Slide 11-24
SM 1-28
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-25
SUPPLEMENTAL FORM
• For use only with paper reporting
systems
• Provides for extra remarks, additional
persons/entities involved, special studies
Slide 11-25
Slide 1-26
K--HEADER
--HEADER
• Header information is repeated on all
modules.
• In an automated system, this information
is entered once and imported into all
modules.
Slide 11-26
Slide 1-27
K1 to K5--PERSON/ENTITY
--PERSON/ENTITY
INVOLVED
Collects additional name and contact
information for persons or entities
(businesses, companies) involved in the
incident or related to the property
Slide 11-27
SM 1-29
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-28
L1--SUPPLEMENTAL
--SUPPLEMENTAL SPECIAL
STUDIES
Temporary data elements that can be used
for collection of information that is of
special interest for a defined period
Slide 11-28
Slide 1-29
L2--ADDITIONAL
--ADDITIONAL REMARKS
Provides an additional area for comments
concerning the incident when you run out
of room on the Basic Module
Slide 11-29
Slide 1-30
Activity 1.1
Completion of Basic
Module
Slide 11-30
SM 1-30
BASIC MODULE--NFIRS 1
Slide 1-31
SUMMARY
• The Basic Module (NFIRS 1) is used for
every incident.
• State legislation determines which
optional modules must be submitted to the
State.
• The Basic Module is the only report that
must be completed for many incident
types.
Slide 11-31
Slide 1-32
QUESTIONS?
Slide 11-32
SM 1-31
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 2:
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Fire Module is to be used.
2.
Given scenarios of hypothetical incidents, demonstrate how to complete various sections of the
Fire Module.
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
SM 2-2
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
The Fire Module is used for any fire that extends beyond a noncombustible container. It would be applicable for a vehicle fire, building
fire, or vegetation (grass) fire. As an option, the Wildland Fire Module
can be used for vegetation and other outside fires.
The Structure Fire Module is completed in conjunction with the Fire
Module, as noted on the Remarks of the Basic Module of the inset labeled
"Fire Module Required." The Fire Module provides details about the
property involved and the Structure Fire Module furnishes information
regarding the buildings involved in the fire, how the fire started, and
detection and suppression equipment present.
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of an
incident. In an automated system, it is intended that a data element be
entered one time and automatically populate all fields where that
information is required.
Section B: Property Details
Block B1 captures data regarding the number of residential living units in
the building of origin. If it is not a residential unit, the box can be marked
to indicate so. If it is residential, the total number of units must be entered
without regard to how many became involved in the incident.
•
For apartment buildings, condominiums, townhouses, and
row-houses, enter the number of separately owned or rented units.
•
For hotels, motels, and the like, enter the number of lodging units.
SM 2-3
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
The direct entry of the number of living units will allow for improved data
analysis. Previously a range of apartment units would be available as
choices. If the building or fire code developers modify the requirements
for apartments, such as requiring sprinklers in buildings with fewer
dwelling units than the current standard, then analysis can be conducted
easily in the future.
The total number of buildings involved in the fire is entered in block B2.
Each exposure is numbered sequentially starting at 001. For outside fires
that also consume buildings, exposure reports should be completed. If no
buildings were involved, there is a box to be marked.
B3 has space to record the number of acres burned in an outside fire. Two
boxes are available--one to indicate "None" and the other to specify "Less
than one acre." This should be the best estimate that can be made by the
person completing the module. For large outside fires, the department
may choose to use the NFIRS 8:Wildland Fire Module instead of NFIRS
2: Fire Module.
Section C: On-Site Materials or Products
If no significant amounts of commercial, industrial, agricultural, or energy
products or materials are stored on this property, the box "None" can be
marked. If any of these products or materials were present, whether or not
they became involved, the rest of the section should be completed.
Enter a code, found in the NFIRS Handbook or Quick Reference Guide
(QRG), for any significant amount of material stored, processed, sold, or
used for providing services at the property involved. Lines are provided to
identify information regarding up to three materials. Information is
entered whether or not the material was involved in the fire. Materials can
be coded that might not ordinarily be found at a location.
Example: A "crack house" could be coded as a Residential Property Use
(419) and the On-site Material could be coded as 545: Illegal Drugs.
SM 2-4
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
For each On-site Material entry made, one of the four boxes to the right
should be marked to indicate whether the material is stored, processed,
sold, or used for services provided at the property. Mark "Processing or
Manufacturing" if the material is both stored and processed at this site. A
box must be marked whenever an On-Site Material entry is made.
SM 2-5
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
SM 2-6
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Activity 2.1
Property Use and On-Site Materials
Purpose
To determine property use and on-site materials and complete the appropriate sections of
NFIRS 5.0.
Directions
Determine property use and on-site materials or products and the appropriate completion
of each of these sections for the following:
1.
A fire occurs in a hardware store.
2.
A fire occurs in a dry-cleaning facility.
3.
A fire occurs in an automobile service station.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 2-7
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
SM 2-8
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Section D: Ignition
Separate blocks of this section will allow you to capture information
regarding the area of fire origin, heat source, item first ignited, and type of
material first ignited.
In Block D1, a code found in the
NFIRS Handbook or in the QRG
is entered to indicate where the
fire started. The code list is
organized into three kinds of
areas--structural, vehicle, and
outside. This section must be
completed for all fires.
Blocks D2 and D3 furnish lines
to enter codes for the "Heat Source" and the "Item First Ignited." Both
entries are required.
The box is marked to indicate that the fire spread beyond the object of
origin. An unmarked box means that the fire was confined to the object of
origin.
The last block, Section D4, collects information regarding the type of
material first ignited; it should be completed whenever the item first
ignited is 00 or less than 70.
For "Items First Ignited" with a code greater than 70, responding to this
section is redundant because the "Item" and "Type" would be the same-for example, item = grass; type = grass.
Section E: Cause of Ignition
Sections D and E, in
combination,
can
serve to offer a better
explanation of how
and why the fire
started.
The first option in
block E1 is to mark a
box that indicates that this particular report is an exposure report. If that is
the case, the officer must skip the rest of Sections E and all of Section F
and continue completing the report in Section G.
SM 2-9
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Marking other boxes in E1 will allow the officer to indicate more clearly
the cause of ignition. In previous versions of NFIRS, users were forced to
decide between incendiary and suspicious; the measurement of arson fires
added those two codes together. Now, fire officers will be able to indicate
that a fire was intentionally set without stating that a crime was
committed.
Also, fire incidents can be reported as under investigation. If no cause is
determined later, the cause can be changed to "undetermined after
investigation." This will allow a manager to better track whether an
investigator has updated the incident report with the actual cause or
whether the cause remains undetermined.
The "Factors Contributing to Ignition" are recorded in block E2 using the
appropriate codes from the NFIRS Handbook or QRG. Up to two factors
can be noted, or a box can be marked to indicate that none was involved.
SM 2-10
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Activity 2.2
Factors Contributing to Ignition
Purpose
To identify factors contributing to ignition.
Directions
Determine the factors contributing to ignition for the following incidents:
1.
A car backfires and starts a fire in the engine compartment.
2.
An electric heater is covered with a blanket that ignites when the heater turns on.
3.
Fireworks land on a shake roof, igniting the roof.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
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SM 2-11
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
SM 2-12
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Block E3 offers a number of options to record human factors that
contribute to the ignition of a fire. All of the applicable boxes in this
section may be marked.
The last part of E3 can be useful in
tracking juvenile firesetter trends and the
effect of fire on the elderly. This field
provides direct entry of the estimated age
of the person involved, whether the
person is male or female, and a box to
mark when there is evidence that age was
a factor in ignition.
Section F: Equipment Involved in
Ignition
The complexity of this data element has
been reduced from the previous version of NFIRS by eliminating
compound codes.
The section starts with a box ("None") which can be used to indicate
whether equipment was involved in the ignition. If the box is marked to
show that none was
involved, the rest of the
section can be skipped. If
the box is not marked, the
rest of the section should
be completed.
Block F1 has a line to enter
a code description that best
identifies the equipment
involved in the ignition.
To find the correct code
quickly, select a subsection
from
the
following
choices:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning;
Electrical Distribution, Lighting, & Power Transfer;
Shop Tools & Industrial Equipment;
Commercial & Medical Equipment;
Garden Tools & Agricultural Equipment;
Kitchen & Cooking Equipment;
Electronic Equipment; and
Personal & Household Equipment: Other.
SM 2-13
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
The brand name, model name/number, serial number, and model year of
the equipment involved, if known, are to be entered on the lines provided.
Block F2 asks for a code that describes
the power source of the equipment
involved with the fire ignition. Gas,
liquid fuels, solid fuels, and electrical
would be examples. The power source
combined with other factors in the
ignition sequence can help identify the
cause of the fire.
Block F3 contains boxes to indicate
whether the equipment involved in the
ignition is portable or stationary.
Portable
equipment
has
three
characteristics. It can be moved by
one person, is designed to be used in
multiple locations, and requires no
tools to install. Equipment portability
is another factor that can play a part in
determining fire cause.
Section G: Fire Suppression Factors
Lines are provided to collect information regarding conditions or factors
that affected the fire suppression effort or fire management decisions.
These factors, which are critical to proper analysis of incident data,
previously had to be documented in the narrative report.
If no conditions or factors had an effect, the "None" box can be marked.
Enter a code for up to three factors or conditions to document those that
constituted a significant suppression problem at the incident or might be a
fire prevention problem in the future.
SM 2-14
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Activity 2.3
Fire Suppression Factors
Purpose
To identify fire suppression factors.
Directions
Note how you would complete Section G for these incidents:
1.
A fire in a grocery store resulted in collapse of a lightweight metal truss roof.
One reason for the fire spread was the delay in arrival of the fire department. A
huge traffic jam prevented fire companies from reaching the scene quickly.
2.
A warehouse fire with high-piled combustible storage--30 feet to the top of the
storage--overwhelms the sprinkler system. Workers attempt to extinguish the fire
before it is reported. The building is destroyed.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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SM 2-15
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
SM 2-16
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Section H: Mobile Property Involved In Ignition
Block H1 has four boxes that can be marked to indicate the involvement of
mobile property in the ignition. The "None" box is marked if no such
property is involved. When mobile property is involved, one of the
numbered boxes must be marked to clarify the involvement.
Example: If the wheel rim on a car with a flat sends a spark that starts a
grass fire but the car does not burn, box number 2 would be marked.
Codes are used in block H2 to best identify the type of mobile property
involved. The codes are organized into categories for Ground, Rail, Air,
and Water vehicles. When mobile property is used as a fixed building
instead of transportation, check the "Not Involved" box and skip the
rest of Section H. The Structure Fire Module would be completed in
this situation.
A code also is used to indicate the make of the mobile property. The code
list includes most vehicles. If the make you need is not found, use code 00
and enter the name of make on the line provided. If known, the model
name and four-digit year of the mobile property involved should be
entered next.
If the mobile property has a license plate, the plate number and the twoletter abbreviation of the State,
Province, or Territory of the plate (or
registration) should be entered on the
appropriate lines.
Refer to the
Abbreviations Section of the NFIRS
Handbook or QRG for a list of State,
Province,
and
Territory
abbreviations.
Enter the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) as
indicated.
SM 2-17
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
The last block of Section H can be used as a local option. In the first area,
a box exists to indicate whether a prefire plan is available for the address
of the incident. Typically, a plan of attack or a prefire plan is developed
by firefighters before a fire occurs at significant structures, and the plan is
referenced during the emergency.
Some of the information presented in a report may be based on reports
from other agencies. Boxes can be marked in this area to indicate which
other agency reports are attached to the incident report.
SUMMARY
The Fire Module is used for any fire that extends beyond a noncombustible container. It would be applicable for a vehicle fire, building
fire, or vegetation (grass) fire unless the Wildland Fire Module is used.
The Fire Module can be used in conjunction with the Structure Fire
Module, when appropriate, to provide a more complete picture of what
happened. Completing the Fire Module collects details about the property
involved. Details provided in the Structure Fire Module make clear the
buildings involved in the fire, how the fire started, and detection and
suppression equipment present.
SM 2-18
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 2-1
UNIT 2:
FIRE MODULE-NFIRS 2
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 22-1
Slide 2-2
NFIRS 2-FIRE MODULE
2--FIRE
Slide 22-2
Slide 2-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Fire Module is to
be used.
• Given scenarios of hypothetical
incidents, demonstrate how to
complete various sections of the Fire
Module.
Slide 22-3
SM 2-19
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Slide 2-4
NFIRS 2-FIRE MODULE
2--FIRE
• Used for all fires that extend beyond
a noncombustible container.
• Exception: Wildland Fire Module
may be used instead of this module
for vegetation or other outside fires.
Slide 22-4
Slide 2-5
A--HEADER
--HEADER
• Header information is repeated on
all modules.
• In an automated system, this
information is entered once and
imported into all modules.
Slide 22-5
Slide 2-6
B--PROPERTY
--PROPERTY DETAILS
• B1 identifies the number of
residential units in the
building of origin.
• B2 identifies the number of
buildings involved.
• B3 identifies the number of
acres burned.
– May use Wildland Fire
Module instead.
Slide 22-6
SM 2-20
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Slide 2-7
C--ON
--ON--SITE MATERIALS
• Identifies any
significant amounts of
commercial,
industrial, energy, or
agricultural products
on the property
• Use whether or not
materials were
involved in fire
Slide 22-7
Slide 2-8
Activity 2.1
Property Use and OnOn-Site
Materials
Slide 22-8
Slide 2-9
D--IGNITION
--IGNITION
• D1 identifies the area where the
fire started.
• D2 identifies the heat source.
• D3 identifies the item ignited.
• D4 identifies the composition of
Codes are found in
the item ignited.
the Handbook and
QRG.
Slide 22-9
SM 2-21
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Slide 2-10
E1--CAUSE
--CAUSE OF IGNITION
• Identifies the general
causal factor that
resulted in a heat
source igniting a
combustible material
• Identifies if fire was an
exposure fire
Slide 22-10
Slide 2-11
E2-- FACTORS CONTRIBUTING
TO IGNITION
• Identifies the
contributing factors that
allowed the heat source
and combustible
material to combine to
ignite the fire
• Can identify up to two
factors
Slide 22-11
Slide 2-12
Activity 2.2
Factors Contributing to
Ignition
Slide 22-12
SM 2-22
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Slide 2-13
E3--HUMAN
--HUMAN FACTORS
• Identifies mental or
physical states or
conditions that
contributed to the
ignition of the fire
• Identifies the age and sex
of the person involved in
the ignition
Slide 22-13
Slide 2-14
F1--EQUIPMENT
--EQUIPMENT INVOLVED
• Identifies the equipment
that provided the primary
heat source to cause
ignition (if the equipment
malfunctioned or was used
improperly).
• Codes are found in the
Handbook or QRG.
Slide 22-14
Slide 2-15
F2--EQUIPMENT
--EQUIPMENT POWER
• Identifies the power source of the
equipment involved in the ignition of
the fire.
• Codes can be found in the Handbook
and QRG.
Slide 22-15
SM 2-23
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Slide 2-16
F3--EQUIPMENT
--EQUIPMENT PORTABILITY
• Describes the equipment
involved in ignition as
either stationary or
portable.
• Portable equipment
normally can be moved by
one person, and is
designed to be used in
multiple locations.
Slide 22-16
Slide 2-17
G--FIRE
--FIRE SUPPRESSION
FACTORS
Identifies conditions or
factors that affected fire
suppression or
management decisions
Slide 22-17
Slide 2-18
Activity 2.3
Fire Suppression Factors
Slide 22-18
SM 2-24
FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 2
Slide 2-19
H--MOBILE
--MOBILE PROPERTY
INFORMATION
• H1 identifies if mobile property was
involved in the ignition and whether or not
it burned.
• H2 identifies
the mobile
property that
was involved
in the
ignition.
Slide 22-19
Slide 2-20
SUMMARY
• The Fire Module (NFIRS 2) is used for
any fire that extends beyond a nonnoncombustible container.
–Vehicle fire, building fire.
–Vegetation (grass) fire, unless Wildland
Fire Module is used.
• In conjunction with the Structure Fire
Module, provides a more complete picture
of the incident.
Slide 22-20
Slide 2-21
QUESTIONS?
Slide 22-21
SM 2-25
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 3:
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Structure Fire Module is to be used.
2.
Given scenarios of hypothetical incidents, demonstrate how to complete various sections of the
Structure Fire Module.
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
SM 3-2
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
The Structure Fire Module is used in conjunction with the Fire Module for
structure fires that extend beyond a noncombustible container (Incident
Types 111 and 120's). The Structure Fire Module, through its available
data fields, provides a means for an extensive description of larger fire
incidents. More information can be captured by using this module.
Section I: Structure Type, Building Status, Building Height,
and Main Floor Size
Block I1 captures information regarding the
type of structure. If the fire is in an enclosed
building, the entire module is completed.
It would not be completed if the fire involves
one of the following or other structures
similar to them:
•
•
•
•
•
•
a connective structure such as a fence or pipeline;
an open structure such as a bridge;
an air-supported structure;
a tent;
an open platform such as a pier; and/or
an underground structure such as a flood tunnel.
The Structure Fire Module would be completed for an enclosed building,
which would be a rail tunnel, subway system, highway tunnel, or similar
structures.
It also would be completed for portable/mobile structures such as:
•
•
job site trailers; or
portable offices or similar structures.
SM 3-3
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
The status of the building is collected in
Block I2.
There are two lines in I3 to indicate the building
height. One records the total number of stories at or
above grade. The other captures the total number of
stories below grade. Both must be completed without
regard to how many floors were involved in the fire.
Block I4 offers two options for indicating
the main floor size: (1) the number of
square feet on the structure's main floor,
or (2) the structure's length and width in
feet.
SM 3-4
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Activity 3.1
Structure Type, Building Status
Purpose
To determine structure type, building status, building height, and main floor size.
Directions
How would structure data be entered for the scenarios that follow? Will the rest of the
Structure Fire Module need to be completed (yes or no)?
Scenario 1
A large fire occurs on the fifth floor of an eight-story, vacant and secured warehouse.
Several of the 200-foot by 100-foot floors are damaged, but no damage is reported in the
basement.
Scenario 2
The local subway system has reported a fire in the boarding area of the subway station on
the second of three operating levels. Each boarding area is 100 feet by 50 feet.
Scenario 3
A fire is reported in a tent that was erected for a revival meeting. It measured 200 x 300
feet with a seating capacity of 500.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 3-5
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
SM 3-6
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Section J: Fire Origin, Fire Spread, and the Number of Stories
Damaged by Flame
Data entered in Section J will help describe where the fire started, whether
or not it spread, and the percent of the structure that was damaged by
flame.
Fire Origin
J1
Below grade
Story of
fire origin
In Block J1 the story of fire origin is entered. This story is assumed to be
at or above grade unless the "Below grade" box is marked. The ground
story is counted as Story 1. In the case of most residential basements, you
would enter 1 for the "Story of Origin" and then check the box to indicate
it was below grade.
J2
2
3
4
5
One of the series of boxes in J2 is
marked to indicate the fire spread.
See form Block J2
Fire Spread
Confined to room of origin
Confined to floor of origin
Confined to building of origin
Beyond building of origin
Choose the highest number that
applies.
The intent of data entered in J3 is to describe the seriousness of the fire by
indicating the extent of flame damage. Floors suffering only smoke or
water damage are not counted. If there is flame damage to the roof, the
roof is not counted as a separate story.
For each percent range of
flame damage specified,
enter the number of stories
that meet the description.
i.e., two stories have 24
percent, three stories have
50 percent. If an entry is
not made for any of the
classifications in J3, it will
be assumed there was zero
flame damage.
J3
Number of Stories Damaged By Flame
Count the ROOF as part of the highest story
Number of stories w/ minor damage
(1 to 24% flame damage)
Number of stories w/ significant damage
(25 to 49% flame damage)
Number of stories w/ heavy damage
(50 to 74% flame damage)
Number of stories w/ extreme damage
(75 to 100% flame damage)
SM 3-7
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Section K: Material Contributing Most to Flame Spread
Material Contributing Most To Flame Spread
K
Check if no flame spread
OR same as material first ignited
OR unable to determine
Skip to
Section L
Section K is completed only if the flame spread beyond the object of
origin and the material contributing most to the flame spread is different
from the Item First Ignited (recorded in D3 of NFIRS 2--Fire Module). If
one of these conditions is false, the box is marked and the rest of the
section is skipped.
K1
Item contributing most to flame speed
The "Item contributing most to flame spread" and the appropriate code is
entered in K1. This is true if flame spread beyond the object of origin and
the item contributing most to flame spread is different from the Item First
Ignited. The codes used in this section are the same as those for the Item
First Ignited and are found in the NFIRS Handbook or Quick Reference
Guide (QRG).
K2
Type of material contributing
most to flame spread
Required only if item contributing
code is 00 or <70.
K2 captures the "Type of material contributing most to flame spread."
This block is completed whenever the code for type-of-material is 00 or
less than 70. It is not necessary to supply this information when the type
of material code is 70 or greater as it would be redundant (example: item
would be grass and material would be grass).
SM 3-8
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Activity 3.2
Story of Origin, Fire Spread
Purpose
To determine story of origin, fire spread, number of stories damaged, item contributing to
flame spread, and type of material.
Directions
How should Sections J and K be completed for the following scenarios?
Scenario 1
A fire in an eight-story apartment house started on the fifth floor and spread upward.
There was heavy damage to the fifth and sixth floors, significant damage to the seventh
floor, and minor damage to the eighth floor and roof. The fire is believed to have started
on a countertop and spread via the cabinets.
Scenario 2
Children playing with matches started a fire in newspapers that were stacked in the
basement of a ranch-style home. Fire spread across the drapes and up the stairway to the
family room. There was significant damage in the basement and minor damage on the
first floor.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 3-9
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
SM 3-10
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Section L: Presence of Detectors, Detector Type, Detector
Power Supply, Detector Operation, Detector Effectiveness,
Detector Failure Reason
If no detector was present, or
within the designated range
of the detector, mark the box
in Block L1 and skip the rest
of Section L. The rest of
Section L is completed if a
detector was present.
L2
1
Presence of Detectors
N
None Present
1
Present
U
Undetermined
Smoke
Heat
3
Combination smoke – heat
4
Sprinkler, water flow
detection
More than 1 type present
0
Other
U
Undetermined
Block L2 "Detector Type" identifies the
detector present in the area of fire origin. If
more that one type of detector is present,
mark the appropriate box.
L3
L3 describes the power supply for that detector
and L4 describes the operation (or lack of
operation) of the detector. Mark one entry for
each data field.
L4
1
2
3
U
Skip to
section M
Detector Type
2
5
L1
Detector Operation
Fire too small to activate
Operated
Failed to Operate
Undetermined
Complete
Section L5
Complete
Section L6
Detector Power Supply
1
Battery only
2
Hardwire only
3
Plug in
4
Hardwire with battery
5
Plug in with battery
6
Mechanical
7
Multiple detectors & power
supplies
0
Other
U
Undetermined
If a fire occurs that was not
intended to be discovered by the
detection system installed, mark
"fire too small to activate" in L4
and skip the rest of Section L.
Also, skip the rest of Section L if
"undetermined" is selected for
Detector Operation.
SM 3-11
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
If the "failed to operate" box is marked under L4, skip L5 and complete L6.
L5
Detector Effectiveness
Required if detector operated.
1
Alerted occupants, occupants responded
2
Occupants failed to respond
3
There were no occupants
4
Failed to alert occupants
U
Undetermined
When "Operated" box is marked in L4, then a box in L5 is marked to
indicate the detector's effectiveness Block L6 can be skipped.
The codes provided in Section
L6 allow identification of the
reason why the detector failed
to operate or did not operate
properly.
Detector Failure Reason
L6
1
Power failure, shutoff or disconnect
2
Improper installation or placement
3
Defective
4
Lack of maintenance, includes cleaning
5
Battery missing or disconnected
6
Battery discharged or dead
0
Other
U
Undetermined
Section M: Presence of Automatic Extinguishment System,
Type of Automatic Extinguishment System, Automatic
Extinguishment System Operation, Number of Sprinkler Heads
Operating, Automatic Extinguishment System Failure Reason
M1
N
1
Presence of Automatic Extinguishing System
None Present
Complete rest of
Section M
Present
One box in block M1 must be marked for all building fires. If no
automatic extinguishing system was present, the "None" box is marked
and the rest of Section M is skipped. Other parts of Section M are
completed if an extinguishing system was present.
Several automatic extinguishing
system types are listed in block
M2. The box for the correct type
should be marked if the fire was
within the designed range of the
system.
SM 3-12
M2
Type of Automatic Extinguishment System
Required if fire was within designed range of AES
1
Wet pipe sprinkler
2
Dry pipe sprinkler
3
Other sprinkler system
4
Dry chemical system
5
Foam system
6
Halogen type system
7
Carbon dioxide (Co2) system
O
Other special hazard system
U
Undetermined
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
If the fire was within
the designed range of
the
automatic
extinguishing system,
mark a box in M3 to
describe its operation.
See form NFIRS 3Structure
Fire
Module Block M2.
M4
Number of Sprinkler
Heads Operating
Required if system operated
M3
Automatic Extinguishment
System Operation
Required if fire was within designed range
1
Operated & effective (go to M4)
2
Operated & not effective (M4)
3
Fire too small to activate
4
Failed to operate (go to M5)
0
Other
U
Undetermined
When either "operated" box is marked in M3,
provide the number of sprinkler heads which
operated (regardless of effectiveness) in M4.
Number of sprinkler heads operating
A box in M5 is marked if you
indicated in M3 that the system
"Operated and not effective" or
"Failed to operate."
M5
Automatic Extinguishment
System Failure Reason
Required if system failed
1
System shut off
2
Not enough agent discharged
3
Agent discharged but did not
reach fire
4
Wrong type of system
5
Fire not in area protected
6
System components damaged
7
8
O
U
Lack of maintenance
Manual intervention
Other
Undetermined
NFIRS-3 Revision 01/19/99
SM 3-13
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
SM 3-14
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Activity 3.3
Detection and Suppression Equipment
Purpose
To determine presence of detection and/or suppression equipment, type of equipment,
operation of equipment, and reason for equipment failure.
Directions
How should Sections L and M be completed for the following scenarios?
Scenario 1
A smoke detector in the hallway alerted the fourth floor hotel guests of a possible
problem. The detector was hardwired with a battery backup. Room occupants carefully
opened hallway doors and could see light smoke in the hall. They quickly exited down
the stairway and out the front of the building. There was a wet-pipe sprinkler system
installed throughout the building, but it did not activate. The fire in room 410 was too
small to open any sprinkler heads.
Scenario 2
The warehouse was protected by a wet-pipe sprinkler system with water-flow detection
alarms. Detectors were hardwired through the main power box on the building's north
end. Power to the warehouse was knocked out by an electrical storm moving through the
area. Because it was after eight in the evening, no one was in the building to notice that
the power was off or that a fire had started near where welders had been working on
storage racks. Fortunately, two sprinkler heads activated and quickly extinguished the
fire.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 3-15
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
SM 3-16
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
SUMMARY
The Structure Fire Module is used in conjunction with the Fire Module to
gather extensive information about larger fire incidents that involve
buildings. This module discussed strategies important to completing this
module correctly. Given the information presented, you should know how
to document an incident that uses this module.
SM 3-17
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
SM 3-18
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 3-1
UNIT 3:
STRUCTURE FIRE
MODULE-NFIRS 3
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 33-1
Slide 3-2
NFIRS 3-STRUCTURE FIRE
3--STRUCTURE
MODULE
Slide 33-2
Slide 3-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Structure Fire
Module is to be used.
• Given scenarios of hypothetical
incidents, demonstrate how to complete
various sections of the Structure Fire
Module.
Slide 33-3
SM 3-19
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-4
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE
• Used to supplement the Fire Module
• Incident Types 111 and 120's
Slide 33-4
Slide 3-5
I1--STRUCTURE
--STRUCTURE TYPE
• Identifies the specific
property type of a
structure
• Continue only if
building was enclosed
or a portable/mobile
structure
Slide 33-5
Slide 3-6
I2--BUILDING
--BUILDING STATUS
Identifies the operational
status of the building at
the time of the incident
Slide 33-6
SM 3-20
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-7
I3--BUILDING
--BUILDING HEIGHT
• Identifies the total number of
stories (floors) at or above grade
level and the total number of
stories below grade in the fire
building.
• Do not count normally
inaccessible attics, attics with
less than standing height, or a
roof as a story.
Slide 33-7
Slide 3-8
I4--MAIN
--MAIN FLOOR SIZE
Identifies the floor size-size-can use
• Total square feet
• Length x width
Slide 33-8
Slide 3-9
Activity 3.1
Structure Type, Building
Status
Slide 33-9
SM 3-21
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-10
J1--FIRE
--FIRE ORIGIN
• Identifies the story (floor level) where the
fire originated within the building
• Identifies floor levels above or below grade
Slide 33-10
Slide 3-11
J2--FIRE
--FIRE SPREAD
• Identifies the extent of
flame damage within the
structure.
• Flame damage is area
actually burned or charred.
• Does not include heat,
smoke, or water damage.
Slide 33-11
Slide 3-12
J3--NUMBER
--NUMBER OF STORIES
DAMAGED BY FLAME
• Identifies the number of
stories (floor levels)
damaged by fire by
percent of damage
• Do not include damage
from heat, smoke, or
water damage
Slide 33-12
SM 3-22
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-13
K--MATERIAL
--MATERIAL CONTRIBUTING
MOST TO FLAME SPREAD
Go to Section L if there
was no flame spread, or
this is the same as
material first ignited or
unable to determine.
• K1 identifies the item
contributing most to flame
spread, if different from the
item first ignited.
• K2 identifies the type of
material contributing most
to flame spread, if different
than the type of material
first ignited.
Slide 33-13
Slide 3-14
Activity 3.2
Story of Origin, Fire
Spread
Slide 33-14
Slide 3-15
L1--PRESENCE
--PRESENCE OF DETECTORS
• Captures data on detectors if
they were present in the
general area of the fire
• Required if the fire was
within the area covered by
the detector
– If not, skip to Section M
Slide 33-15
SM 3-23
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-16
L2--DETECTOR
--DETECTOR TYPE
Identifies the type of
fire detection system
that was present in
the area of fire
origin
Slide 33-16
Slide 3-17
L3--DETECTOR
--DETECTOR POWER SUPPLY
Identifies the type
of power supplying
the detector
Slide 33-17
Slide 3-18
L4--DETECTOR
--DETECTOR OPERATION
This data element identifies whether or
not the detection equipment worked.
Slide 33-18
SM 3-24
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-19
L5--DETECTOR
--DETECTOR
EFFECTIVENESS
• Identifies the effectiveness of the fire
detection equipment in alerting the
occupants
• Required if the detector operated
Slide 33-19
Slide 3-20
L6--DETECTOR
--DETECTOR FAILURE
REASON
• Identifies why the
detector failed to
operate or did not
operate properly
• Required if the
detector failed to
operate
Slide 33-20
Slide 3-21
M1--PRESENCE
--PRESENCE OF
AUTOMATIC EXTINGUISHMENT
SYSTEM
• Identifies the presence of automatic
extinguishment system (AES).
• If AES is present complete the rest of
Section M.
Slide 33-21
SM 3-25
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-22
M2--TYPE
--TYPE OF AUTOMATIC
EXTINGUISHMENT SYSTEM
Identifies the type of AES that was
present in the area of fire origin
Slide 33-22
Slide 3-23
M3--AUTOMATIC
--AUTOMATIC
EXTINGUISHMENT SYSTEM
OPERATION
Identifies the
operation and
effectiveness of
AES in the area of
fire origin
Slide 33-23
Slide 3-24
M4--NUMBER
--NUMBER OF SPRINKLER
HEADS OPERATING
Identifies the number of sprinkler heads
that operated during the fire
Slide 33-24
SM 3-26
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-25
M5--AUTOMATIC
--AUTOMATIC
EXTINGUISHMENT SYSTEM
FAILURE REASON
Identifies the reason
why the AES failed to
operate
Slide 33-25
Slide 3-26
Activity 3.3
Detection and Suppression
Equipment
Slide 33-26
Slide 3-27
SUMMARY
• The Structure Fire Module (NFIRS 3) is used in
conjunction with the Fire Module to gather
information about larger fire incidents that involve
buildings.
• The Structure Fire Module clarifies information
about:
– The buildings involved in the fire.
– How the fire started.
– Detection and automatic suppression equipment.
Slide 33-27
SM 3-27
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 3
Slide 3-28
QUESTIONS?
Slide 33-28
SM 3-28
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 4:
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY
MODULE--NFIRS 4
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Civilian Fire Casualty Module is to be used.
2.
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, demonstrate how to complete a Civilian Fire
Casualty Module and other appropriate modules.
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
SM 4-2
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
The Civilian Fire Casualty Module captures data regarding any civilian
(non-fire-service) casualty associated with fire-related incidents. An entry
in H1 of the Basic Module will initiate the completion of this module.
A casualty is a person who dies or is physically injured as the direct
result of a fire-related incident. In this circumstance the term civilian
includes, but is not limited to, private citizens, emergency medical
service (EMS) responders (not fire department), and police.
If a casualty is recorded initially as an injury and the casualty subsequently
dies, a change to the civilian fire casualty form for that incident must be
submitted.
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of an
incident. In an automated system, it is intended that a data element be
entered one time and automatically populate all fields where that
information is required.
Section B: Injured Person
Boxes are available to indicate whether the casualty is male or female
(gender is a required field). The rest of Section B is used to enter the first
and last name, middle initial, and any suffix (i.e., Jr., Sr., and III) for the
casualty.
SM 4-3
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Section C: Casualty Number
Each casualty is given a number. The numbers are
assigned consecutively starting with 001 and
continuing based upon how many civilians are
injured or killed.
Section D: Age or Date of Birth
Either the age or date of birth--not both-of the casualty is entered. If the age is
entered, the numbers are assumed to
represent years unless the "Months" box
is marked. The age in months should
only be recorded for infants younger
than 1 year at time of injury.
Section E: Race and Ethnicity
Block E1 contains six boxes; one box is
marked to capture the race of the casualty, if
known.
Block E2 identifies the ethnicity of the
casualty. This is an ethnic classification or
affiliation. Currently "Hispanic" is the only
U.S. Census Bureau classification. Hispanic
is not considered a race, because a person can
be black and Hispanic, white and Hispanic,
etc.
Section F: Affiliation
One box should be marked to capture
the casualty's affiliation--civilian,
EMS (not fire department), police, or
other.
SM 4-4
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Section G: Date & Time of Injury
The month, day, year, and time of the injury are recorded in the
appropriate spaces. Time--hours and minutes--is entered based on the 24hour clock, where midnight is 0000.
Section H: Severity
The severity of the injury is entered in H1. Five
boxes offer choices of minor, moderate, severe,
life threatening, and death.
Section I: Cause of Injury
One box in Section I is marked
to indicate the main cause of
injury. There are 11 possible
choices.
Section J: Human Factors Contributing to Injury
This field identifies the human
factors, if any, that contributed to the
injury. The box labeled "None" can
be marked if no human factors
contributed. Make as many boxes as
are applicable.
SM 4-5
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Section K: Factors Contributing to Injury
Factors other than human that
contributed to the injury are noted
in Section K. Codes found in the
NFIRS Handbook or Quick
Reference Guide (QRG) can be
used to clarify up to three factors
that contributed to the injury. If
there were no such factors, the
"None" box is marked.
Section L: Activity When Injured
One of the 10 boxes is marked to
indicate what the casualty was doing at
the time of injury.
SM 4-6
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Section M: Location at Time of Incident, General Location at
Time of Injury, Story at Start of Incident, Story When Injury
Occurred, and Specific Location at Time of Injury
In block M1, mark one box to
describe the location of the
casualty at the time of the
incident.
A box in M2 is marked to
indicate the general location
of the casualty at the time of
injury.
If the casualty's
location is undetermined,
leave this block blank and
skip to Section N.
When the box "In area of fire origin" is marked, the rest of the section is
skipped and entries are continued on Section N. If the casualty was
"Outside," skip to M5.
M3 is completed only if the
injury occurred inside the
building but not in the area of
fire origin. The story where
the casualty was at the start of
the incident is entered.
Stories are numbered with 1 representing ground level. A box is marked if
that story is below grade. For an ordinary residential basement, you would
enter 1, for story at start of incident and mark the box "below grade."
The story where the injury
occurred is entered in M4 if it
is different from the story at
the start of the incident.
Block M5 is completed only if
the injury is in the building but
did not occur in the area of fire
origin.
Enter a description and a code found in the NFIRS Handbook or the QRG-which best explain the location.
SM 4-7
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
The code set table used for this data element is the same set that is
used for Area of Fire Origin--D1 in the Fire Module. Please see the
codes listed for that data element found on page 42 of the QRG
(March 2004 Ed.)
Section N: Primary Apparent Symptom
Several boxes with codes are
provided in this section and the
appropriate one is marked to
indicate the primary symptom
of the injured person. If the
primary symptom is not on this
list, a suitable code can be
sought in the NFIRS Handbook
or in the QRG; a line is
provided to enter it.
Section O: Primary Area of Body Injured
This section lists nine areas of the body.
The primary area of the body injured can
be noted by marking the relevant box.
This should be the same part of the body
affected by the "primary apparent
symptom" (Section N).
Section P: Disposition
Mark the box in this section if
the casualty was transported
to an emergency care facility.
Space is provided on the paper forms as a local option for remarks.
SM 4-8
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Activity 4.1
Completion of Various NFIRS Modules
Purpose
To select and complete appropriate NFIRS modules correctly, given the scenario of a
hypothetical incident.
Directions
1.
Work with your small group to select and complete the right NFIRS modules
correctly, based on the information provided.
2.
Allow 20 minutes to complete the necessary modules and prepare for class
discussion.
Scenario
At 2:36 p.m., on August 25, 2004, the 9-11 center receives a telephone call reporting a
fire in a building at 1326 Market Street (ZIP Code 05641). The Orange, Vermont, Fire
Department (FDID TR100) is dispatched and responds with two engines, one truck, and
one Deputy Chief. This represents 12 personnel. The dispatch center receives additional
calls reporting a fire at this location and dispatches one engine from the Lakeview Fire
Department (FDID 11077).
Engine 422 arrives on the scene at 2:41 p.m. and reports a two-story single family
dwelling of approximately 2,000 square feet. Fire is showing on the first floor. The crew
from Engine 422 advances a 1-3/4-inch line to the fire, searching for occupants as they
proceed.
Deputy Chief Sam B. Depew (Badge ID 404) arrives on the scene at 2:42 p.m. and
assumes command of the incident. Truck 42 arrives at 2:43 p.m. The truck company is
split into two crews. One crew performs search and rescue and the other performs
ventilation. When the crews complete their initial tasks, they do salvage and overhaul.
Engine 425 arrives on the scene at 2:44 p.m., lays a supply line to Engine 422, and takes
a hydrant. The crew then takes a 1-3/4-inch line to the second floor and finds that the fire
has extended into a bedroom. The extension was through existing balloon framing and
combustible insulation.
Deputy Chief Depew determines the fire is under control at 3:01 p.m.
SM 4-9
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
The truck company's captain reports that most of the family escaped the fire when they
heard the smoke detectors sounding. (Detectors were hardwired with battery back up.)
The search and rescue team from Truck 42 found one victim--60-year old, white male,
Robert A. Thomas, Sr.--in a second story bedroom. They carried the victim downstairs
and outside to safety.
Mr. Thomas was treated for smoke inhalation by the Orange Fire Department EMT's on
the scene. His condition improved and he was transported by private ambulance to the
Mercy Hospital Emergency Room. Mr. Thomas stated later that he had been on the sofa,
drinking alcohol, and watching television. He also stated that he had been smoking
earlier in the evening and left the ashtray on the sofa when he went to bed at 1:00 p.m.
The investigator determined that the fire started in the living room where the couch was
located. It appeared that the ashtray fell into the couch cushions and a smoldering
cigarette started the fire. Building property loss was estimated at $65,000; loss to
contents was estimated at $15,000. There was heavy damage to the first story and
significant damage to the second story. The fire spread by way of insulation within the
walls.
Mr. Robert Thomas was the recorded occupant of the home. His phone number is (888)
555-5555. The owner of the dwelling is P&K Development Corporation of Parrot Island,
Florida, 73333. The phone number is (777) 235-8888. Ms. Laurie Burnetti of 1 Mango
Drive is their agent.
Incident number 006231 was assigned to the call. There were no exposures. Engine 422
cleared the scene at 3:00 p.m. and was available for duty at 3:25 p.m. Truck 42 cleared
the scene at 3:20 p.m. and was available at 3:45 p.m. Deputy Chief Depew cleared the
scene at 3:35 p.m. and was available at 3:36 p.m. and Engine 425 cleared at 3:50 p.m.
and was available at 4:10 p.m. Deputy Chief Depew filed the report after returning to the
station.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
SM 4-10
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
SUMMARY
The Civilian Fire Casualty Module captures data regarding any civilian
(non-fire-service) casualty associated with fire-related incidents. If a
summarized count and type (injury or death) is entered in H1 of the Basic
Module, the Civilian Fire Casualty Module is completed.
A civilian casualty is a private citizen, emergency medical responder (not
fire department), or police officer who dies or is physically injured as the
result of a fire-related incident.
SM 4-11
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
SM 4-12
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 4-1
UNIT 4:
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY
MODULE-NFIRS 4
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 44-1
Slide 4-2
NFIRS 4-CIVILIAN FIRE
4--CIVILIAN
CASUALTY MODULE
Slide 44-2
Slide 4-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Civilian Fire
Casualty Module is to be used.
• Given the scenario of a hypothetical
incident, demonstrate how to complete
a Civilian Fire Casualty Module and
other appropriate modules.
Slide 44-3
SM 4-13
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-4
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY
MODULE
• Captures data regarding civilian
and/or nonnon-firefire-service casualties.
• The injury must be the result of a
fire.
Slide 44-4
Slide 4-5
A--HEADER
--HEADER
• Header information is repeated on all
modules.
• In an automated system, this information
is entered once and imported into all
modules.
Slide 44-5
Slide 4-6
B--INJURED
--INJURED PERSON
Identifies the name and gender of the
casualty
Slide 44-6
SM 4-14
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-7
C--CASUALTY
--CASUALTY NUMBER
Assign a specific consecutive
number to each casualty
beginning with 001
Slide 44-7
Slide 4-8
D--AGE
--AGE OR DATE OF BIRTH
• Identifies the age or
date of birth of the
casualty
• Use months for
infants
Slide 44-8
Slide 4-9
E1--RACE/E
--RACE/E2--ETHNICITY
--ETHNICITY
• E1 identifies race of casualty
based upon US Census
categories.
• E2 identifies the ethnicity of
the victim. Currently the
only Census Bureau
classification for ethnicity is
Hispanic.
Slide 44-9
SM 4-15
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-10
F--AFFILIATION
--AFFILIATION
Identifies if the casualty was a civilian
or a nonnon-firefire-service emergency
responder
Slide 44-10
Slide 4-11
G--DATE
--DATE & TIME OF INJURY
• Captures the casualty date.
• Captures the time using a 24
hour clock: midnight is 0000.
Slide 44-11
Slide 4-12
H--SEVERITY
--SEVERITY
Identifies the relative severity of
the casualty
Slide 44-12
SM 4-16
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-13
I--CAUSE
--CAUSE OF INJURY
Identifies the physical event that
caused the injury
Slide 44-13
Slide 4-14
J--HUMAN
--HUMAN FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO INJURY
Identifies the physical or mental state of
the person that may have contributed to
the injury
Slide 44-14
Slide 4-15
K--FACTORS
--FACTORS CONTRIBUTING
TO INJURY
• Identifies the most
significant factors that
contributed to the
injury
• Can identify up to 3
factors
Slide 44-15
SM 4-17
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-16
L--ACTIVITY
--ACTIVITY WHEN INJURED
Identifies the activity in
which the person was
engaged at the time of the
injury
Slide 44-16
Slide 4-17
M1--LOCATION
--LOCATION AT TIME OF
INCIDENT
Identifies the location of the victim
in relation to fire origin
Slide 44-17
Slide 4-18
M2--GENERAL
--GENERAL LOCATION AT
TIME OF INJURY
Identifies the location of the victim at time of injury
• If casualty was in area of fire origin, skip to
section N
• If casualty was outside of the building and not in
area of origin, go to M5
Slide 44-18
SM 4-18
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-19
M3--STORY
--STORY AT START OF
INCIDENT
• Complete only if the injury occurred
inside of building
• Identifies the floor level where the
victim was at the start of the incident
Slide 44-19
Slide 4-20
M4--STORY
--STORY WHERE INJURY
OCCURRED
Identifies the story (floor level) where
the casualty was located at the time of
the injury
Slide 44-20
Slide 4-21
M5--SPECIFIC
--SPECIFIC LOCATION AT
TIME OF INJURY
• Identifies the specific location at the
time of injury.
• Codes can be found in the Handbook
or Quick Response Guide (QRG).
Slide 44-21
SM 4-19
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-22
N--PRIMARY
--PRIMARY APPARENT
SYMPTOM
• The casualty's most
serious injury
• Other codes can be
found in the Handbook
or QRG
Slide 44-22
Slide 4-23
O--PRIMARY
--PRIMARY AREA OF BODY
INJURED
Describes the part of the
body that sustained the
most serious injury
Slide 44-23
Slide 4-24
P--DISPOSITION
--DISPOSITION
Identifies if the casualty was transported to an
emergency care facility
Slide 44-24
SM 4-20
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-25
REMARKS
The "remarks" section is an area for a
narrative description of the injury.
Slide 44-25
Slide 4-26
Activity 4.1
Completion of Various
NFIRS Modules
Slide 44-26
Slide 4-27
SUMMARY
• The Civilian Fire Casualty Module (NFIRS
4) captures data regarding any civilian
casualty associated with firefire-related
incidents.
• Civilian fire casualty:
– Private citizen, emergency medical
responder (not fire department), or police.
– Dies or is physically injured as a result of
a firefire-related incident.
Slide 44-27
SM 4-21
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 4
Slide 4-28
QUESTIONS?
Slide 44-28
SM 4-22
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 5:
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY
MODULE--NFIRS 5
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Fire Service Casualty Module is to be used.
2.
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, demonstrate how to complete the Fire Service
Casualty Module and identify other modules that would need to be completed.
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
SM 5-2
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
The Fire Service Casualty Module is used to report firefighter injuries,
deaths, or exposures involved with an incident.
An exposure occurs when fire service personnel are exposed to a toxic
substance or harmful physical agent through any route of entry (e.g.,
inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, or direct contact). Exposures can be
reported regardless of the presence of clinical signs and symptoms.
An exposure fire is not the same as an exposure to fire service personnel.
Firefighter casualty information can be used by Health and Safety Officers
to reduce risks at incidents.
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of an
incident. In an automated system, this information is entered one time and
carried forward.
Section B: Injured Person
The person is identified and is classified using a variety of means. First,
an assigned identification number is entered. Often the individual's Social
Security number is used for this purpose.
Next are two sets of boxes which are marked to indicate the gender of the
casualty and the casualty's affiliation (career or volunteer; volunteer
includes paid-per-call members).
Lines also are provided to enter the first and last name, middle initial, and
any suffix (i.e., Jr., Sr., and III) for the casualty.
SM 5-3
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Section C: Casualty Number
Each casualty is given a number. The numbers
are assigned consecutively starting with 001 and
continuing based upon how many fire service
individuals were injured or killed.
Section D: Age or Date of Birth
Either the age or date of birth--not both--of the casualty must be entered.
Section E: Date & Time of Injury
If the injury date is the same as the "date of the incident," enter the same
date information that is found in the corresponding entry on the Basic
Module. Should the date be different, the appropriate month, day, and
year must be entered.
The time--hours and minutes--of the injury is entered using the 24-hour
clock where midnight is 0000.
Section F: Responses
This section can be used to capture the number of
incidents to which the casualty responded in the 24hour period immediately prior to the time of injury.
SM 5-4
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Section G: Usual Assignment, Physical Condition Just Prior
to Injury, Severity, Taken To, Activity at Time of Injury
Block G1 describes the official assignment of
the casualty. This may not be the same as the
firefighter's activity at the time of injury.
Marking one of five boxes in
block G2 captures the physical
condition of the casualty just prior
to injury.
Seven options are provided in G3
to describe the severity or
seriousness of the injury.
Choices range from "Report
only" to "Death."
G4 lists seven alternatives that can be used
to clarify where the casualty was taken
after the injury occurred.
A code used in G5 explains the activity being performed by the firefighter
at the time of injury. Relevant codes can be found in the NFIRS
Handbook or the Quick Reference Guide (QRG).
SM 5-5
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Section H: Primary Apparent Symptom and Primary Area of
Body Injured
A code entered in block H1 describes the firefighter's most serious injury.
The emergency medical technician (EMT) or the person responsible for
the prehospital emergency phase determines this information.
H2 captures the body part or area that sustained the most serious injury. It
should be the part of the body affected by the "primary apparent
symptom."
Section I:
Cause of Firefighter Injury, Factor Contributing to
Injury, and Object Involved in Injury
Entering a code from the NFIRS
Handbook or the QRG in I1
explains the action or lack of
action that directly resulted in the
casualty.
An entry for I2 identifies the most
significant factor contributing to
the firefighter's injury.
The object that contributed to the injury is
clarified by entering a code in block I3.
SM 5-6
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Section J: Where Injury Occurred, Story Where Injury
Occurred, Specific Location, and Vehicle Type
Block J1 is completed to describe the place
where the injury occurred. A box is
marked to select one of the 10 choices.
The options offered include enroute to the
scene, at the incident scene, at the station,
and so forth.
J2 is completed for structure fires only.
One box can be marked to indicate that
the person was inside/on the structure. A
line is provided to enter the story where
the injury occurred. The final box can be
marked to indicate that the story is below
grade.
Several locations with codes are
listed in J3 and can be marked to
identify the casualty's specific
location at the time of injury.
If a location with a code
greater than 60 is marked in
J3, one of the boxes in J4 is
marked to clarify the type of
vehicle involved.
SM 5-7
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Section K: Contribution of Protective Equipment to Injury
If protective equipment failed or contributed to the injury, the "Yes" box
in block K1 is marked and the rest of the section is completed.
Equipment Sequence Number
If more than one piece of protective equipment was a factor in the
firefighter's injury, a form (module) should be completed for each
piece of equipment. Each item is given a number, assigned
consecutively, starting with 001 and continuing based upon how many
protective equipment items were involved.
Block K2 records information
about the protective equipment
item that was a factor in the
firefighter's injury. The choices
are grouped into the following
categories:
•
•
•
•
•
•
SM 5-8
Head or Face Protection;
Coat, Shirt, or Trousers;
Boots or Shoes;
Respiratory Protection;
Hand Protection; and
Special Equipment.
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
The most significant problem with the piece of equipment that either
failed or contributed to the injury is marked in K3. Twenty-seven choices
are offered.
The last block--K4--provides space to record information regarding the
Equipment Manufacturer, Model, and Serial Number.
The name of the company
that made/manufactured the
piece
of
equipment
involved is entered in the
first line.
Enter the
manufacturer's model name
in the next space.
If there is no model name, enter the common physical description of the
equipment. The manufacturer's serial number, generally stamped on the
equipment's identification plate, is entered in the last line.
SM 5-9
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
SM 5-10
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Activity 5.1
Completion of Fire Service Casualty Module
Purpose
To complete the Fire Service Casualty Module correctly and to identify other modules
that would need to be completed, based on the information provided.
Directions
1.
Work with your small group to complete the Fire Service Casualty Module
correctly and to identify the other modules that would need to be completed,
based on the information provided. FDID, dates, and times will be provided by
your instructor, as necessary.
2.
Allow 20 minutes to complete the module, identify other modules, and prepare for
class discussion.
Scenario
At 0655 on July 21, 2004, the A-1 Alarm Company notified the Regional 9-11 dispatch
center of a smoke detector activation at the Busy Bee Market located at the corner of
First and Main Streets in the town of North Brook, PA 12345. Engine 45 and Truck 22
(eight firefighters on Shift 1) from the North Brook Fire Department (FDID TR100)
were dispatched to the incident at 0658.
Truck 22 arrived at the market at 0705 and reported smoke showing from the one-story
building and water running from under the front door. The crew of the Truck Company
forced entry and found that a sprinkler head had been activated and was in the process of
extinguishing a small fire behind the clerk's counter in the market.
Engine 45, which arrived on location at 0707, extinguished the remaining fire and the
Truck Company ventilated smoke from the market and shut down the sprinkler system.
The fire was declared under control at 0727.
While the crews were cleaning up and putting the sprinkler system back in service, the
owner of the market, Angela Anderson, arrived. She told the Engine Company Captain
that she had worked at the market until midnight. It had been a cold evening and she
had plugged in an electric heater behind the counter to keep warm. She did not
remember if the heater was shut off before she left the market. Ms. Anderson estimated
damage to the store contents to be $1,000. The store had 2,500 square feet of floor
space and damage to it was estimated to be $4,000.
SM 5-11
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
During the investigation, Fire Marshal Stan found a portable heater lying on its side
behind the counter. He determined that the heater ignited a rubber mat on the floor near
the cash register. The automatic shutoff feature on the heater failed to operate when the
device tipped over. The heater was a Heat-o-Matic, model 25, serial number 123666.
Further investigation determined that the hardwired smoke/heat detector had operated
properly and notified the alarm company of the fire. The sprinkler system also had
operated properly--one sprinkler head activated and controlled the fire.
While advancing the hoseline to the seat of the fire, Captain Paul Clarke (white male,
age 37) was injured when burning materials fell on him. He suffered a burn to his left
wrist in the area between his glove and the sleeve of his turnout coat. The gloves were
the "Firefighter" model made by the ABC Corporation.
Captain Clarke's injury occurred at 0715. Prior to this incident, Clarke and his crew had
responded to two other fires during the night and five other incidents on their shift.
After the fire was extinguished, Captain Clarke was taken to Mercy Hospital for
treatment of the burn. He returned to work 6 days later
The last company cleared the scene at 0815. The incident number of 0500967 was
assigned for this fire.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 5-12
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
SUMMARY
NFIRS 5 is used only to report firefighter injuries, deaths, or exposures
involved with an incident. Firefighter casualty information can be used
by Health and Safety Officers to reduce risks at incidents.
SM 5-13
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
SM 5-14
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 5-1
UNIT 5:
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY
MODULE-NFIRS 5
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 55-1
Slide 5-2
NFIRS 5-FIRE SERVICE
5--FIRE
CASUALTY MODULE
Slide 55-2
Slide 5-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Fire Service Casualty
Module is to be used.
• Given the scenario of a hypothetical
incident, demonstrate how to complete
the Fire Service Casualty Module and
identify other modules that would need
to be completed.
Slide 55-3
SM 5-15
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-4
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY
MODULE
• Used to report injuries, deaths, or
exposures of fire service personnel.
• Exposure of fire service personnel to toxic
substances or harmful physical agents
should be reported, even if no signs or
symptoms are present.
• One module is completed for each
individual.
Slide 55-4
Slide 5-5
A--HEADER
--HEADER
• Header information is repeated on all
modules.
• In an automated system, this information
is entered once and imported into all
modules.
Slide 55-5
Slide 5-6
B--INJURED
--INJURED PERSON
Identifies personal information
• Name
• Gender
• Department type:
- Volunteer (include paidpaid-onon-call)
- Career
Slide 55-6
SM 5-16
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-7
C--CASUALTY
--CASUALTY NUMBER
Each fire service casualty
is assigned a number
beginning with 001.
Slide 55-7
Slide 5-8
D--AGE
--AGE OR DATE OF BIRTH
Identifies the age or date of birth of the
fire service casualty
Slide 55-8
Slide 5-9
E--DATE
--DATE AND TIME OF
INJURY
• Identifies the date and time of
injury.
• Midnight is 0000.
Slide 55-9
SM 5-17
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-10
F--RESPONSES
--RESPONSES
Identifies the number of responses that the
firefighter made during the previous 24
hours
Slide 55-10
Slide 5-11
G1--USUAL
--USUAL ASSIGNMENT
• Identifies the usual
assignment of the
injured fire service
personnel.
• This might not be the
same as the individual's
activity at the time of
injury.
Slide 55-11
Slide 5-12
G2--PHYSICAL
--PHYSICAL CONDITION
Identifies the physical condition of the
firefighter prior to the injury
Slide 55-12
SM 5-18
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-13
G3--SEVERITY
--SEVERITY
• Identifies the severity of the injury.
• Used to report injuries, deaths, or exposures to
fire service personnel.
• Exposure of fire service personnel to toxic
substances or harmful physical agents should be
reported.
Slide 55-13
Slide 5-14
G4--TAKEN
--TAKEN TO
Identifies where the fire service casualty
was taken after the injury occurred
Slide 55-14
Slide 5-15
G5--ACTIVITY
--ACTIVITY AT TIME OF
INJURY
• Identifies what the firefighter was
doing at the time of injury.
• Codes are found in the Handbook or
Quick Reference Guide (QRG).
Slide 55-15
SM 5-19
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-16
H1--PRIMARY
--PRIMARY APPARENT
SYMPTOM
• Block H1: Primary Apparent Symptom
describe most serious apparent injury.
• Coded field:
- Codes are found in Handbook and
QRG.
Slide 55-16
Slide 5-17
H2--PRIMARY
--PRIMARY AREA OF BODY
INJURED
Identifies the part of the body which
sustained the most serious injury
Slide 55-17
Slide 5-18
I1--CAUSE
--CAUSE OF FIREFIGHTER
INJURY
• Identifies the cause of the firefighter
injury.
• Codes can be found in the Handbook
or QRG.
Slide 55-18
SM 5-20
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-19
I2-- FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO
INJURY
Identifies the most significant factor
contributing to the injury
Slide 55-19
Slide 5-20
I3--OBJECT
--OBJECT INVOLVED IN
INJURY
Used to clarify what object contributed
to the injury
Slide 55-20
Slide 5-21
J1--WHERE
--WHERE INJURY
OCCURRED
Describes the location of the firefighter at
the time of injury
Slide 55-21
SM 5-21
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-22
J2--STORY
--STORY WHERE INJURY
OCCURRED
Identifies the story (above or below grade)
where the injury occurred
Slide 55-22
Slide 5-23
J3--SPECIFIC
--SPECIFIC LOCATION
• Provides additional
details on the specific
location of the casualty
at the time of injury.
• Complete J4 if casualty
was in a vehicle when
injured.
Slide 55-23
Slide 5-24
J4--VEHICLE
--VEHICLE TYPE
Complete only if the fire service casualty
was in a vehicle at the time of injury
Slide 55-24
SM 5-22
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-25
K1--PROTECTIVE
--PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
If protective equipment failed and was a
factor in this injury, complete the remainder
of Section K.
Slide 55-25
Slide 5-26
K1--EQUIPMENT
--EQUIPMENT SEQUENCE
NUMBER
• A unique number assigned
to each piece of equipment
that failed and contributed
to the injury reported.
reported.
• First piece of faulty
equipment is always
"001" (consecutively
number additional pieces).
Slide 55-26
Slide 5-27
K2--PROTECTIVE
--PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
ITEM
•
•
(Partial list)
Identifies each piece of
equipment that
contributed to the
injury of the firefighter.
If more than one piece
of protective equipment
was a factor in the
firefighter's injury, use
additional sheets.
Slide 55-27
SM 5-23
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-28
K3--PROTECTIVE
--PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PROBLEM
Describes the most
serious problem with
the piece of equipment
that failed and
contributed to the
injury
(Partial list)
Slide 55-28
Slide 5-29
K4--EQUIPMENT
-MANUFACTURER, MODEL, &
SERIAL NUMBER
Provide detailed information on the specific
equipment that failed and contributed to the
injury
Slide 55-29
Slide 5-30
Activity 5.1
Completion of Fire Service
Casualty Module
Slide 55-30
SM 5-24
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY MODULE--NFIRS 5
Slide 5-31
SUMMARY
• The Fire Service Casualty Module (NFIRS 5)
is used to report any firefighter injury, death,
or exposure.
• Exposure of fire service personnel to toxic
substances or harmful physical agents should
be reported, even if no signs or symptoms are
present.
• Fire service casualty information can be used
by Health and Safety Officers to reduce risks
at incidents.
Slide 55-31
Slide 5-32
QUESTIONS?
Slide 55-32
SM 5-25
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 6:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
MODULE--NFIRS 6
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Identify the different modules that are used to record casualties/injuries.
2.
Understand the need for the various modules and which module to use in various circumstances.
3.
Given hypothetical narrative reports, demonstrate how to complete the EMS Modules.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
SM 6-2
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
In its infancy, fire department activity reporting was limited to fires only-at least on a national level. Little recognition was given to the "other"
activities that fire departments were performing on a daily basis. As fire
department management became more responsive to the budgetary
concerns and restrictions of fiscal policy, the need to justify all activities
and expenditures grew. Many local fire departments began to collect data
on their own, using the NFIRS program to attempt to gather management
information concerning all of those other activities and stretching the
program in directions that were never anticipated.
Recognizing that emergency medical services (EMS)-type activities are a
significant portion (well over 40 percent) of what fire departments
currently are doing, the National Fire Information Council (NFIC)
encouraged the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to include an
EMS Reporting Module in the new NFIRS 5.0 reporting system. The
USFA acknowledged that EMS was integral to the needs of local fire
departments and the data were critical to management of those
departments. Thus, tasking for the development of an EMS Module was
contained in the 1996 cooperative agreement between the USFA and
NFIC.
An EMS reporting committee was formed with representation from local
fire departments providing emergency medical services, State Fire
Marshal's offices, a State EMS Director, and a physician advisor.
The starting point for the committee's work was the
Final Report of the August 1993 Uniform PreHospital Emergency Medical Services Data
Conference sponsored by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This
document contains the 80 EMS data points and their
definitions as agreed upon by the participants of the
conference as being "essential" or "desirable" for
EMS data systems.
For a copy of the 80 EMS data points and their
definitions, see the NHTSA Web site at
www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/ems/products.htm.
Upon review of the NHTSA data elements, the NFIRS EMS Reporting
Committee concluded that many of the data elements did not pass the test
for "collectable, reportable, or useable." As a result, the committee pulled
together patient care reports and EMS data forms from fire departments
and State EMS agencies across the country and compared them for data
elements that were being collected and reported universally.
SM 6-3
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
As much as practical, NHTSA codes and definitions were retained in
order to provide linkage to databases that employ these codes.
The EMS Module is not intended to replace or otherwise interfere with
State or local EMS patient care reporting requirements, nor is it intended
to be a comprehensive EMS patient care report. Instead, the data elements
in this module should be viewed as "core elements" around which a
complete patient care report can be built.
Purpose
The purpose of the EMS Module is to gather basic data as they relate to
the provision of emergency medical care by local fire service units. It is
intended to encompass both responding fire suppression units and fire
department EMS units.
Use
The optional EMS Module is used to report all medical incidents to which
a department responds.
•
The EMS module does not replace the Civilian Fire Casualty
Module in cases where a civilian injury or death occurs because of
fire.
•
Data on fire service injuries or deaths are reported on the Fire
Service Casualty Module.
Whenever an "Incident Type" in the 300 series (i.e., 311, 322, 371, etc.) is
entered on the Basic Module Section C, the EMS Module also may be
completed. It also may be completed for injuries that occur at other
incidents.
One EMS Module should be used for each patient, and the number of
modules submitted for an incident should match the "Number of Patients"
entered in Block B of the paper form.
SM 6-4
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of an
incident. In an automated system, it is intended that a data element be
entered one time and automatically populate all fields where that
information is required.
Section B: Number of Patients and Patient Number
Two lines are provided. The first line is used to record the total number of
patients involved in the incident. As noted above, a separate EMS Module
is completed for each patient. On the second line, a number is assigned
that identifies the individual patient. Numbers are assigned consecutively
starting with 001 and continuing for each patient.
Section C: Date/Time
The first line documents the time of arrival at the patient. This data
element is important in situations where there may be a significant delay
between the time a unit arrives on-scene and the time direct contact is
made with the patient.
Examples: EMS personnel prevented from approaching a patient because
of fire or other adverse conditions. Responders were accessing a patient
on an upper floor of a highrise building.
"Time of Patient Transfer" is entered on the second line. This time should
indicate the time when the patient's care was transferred from fire
department personnel to another care provider or transportation was
started. By subtracting the "Arrival at Patient" time from the "Transfer"
time, the department will have an accurate reading of the actual time spent
with various patient types.
SM 6-5
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Section D: Provider Impression/Assessment
The single clinical assessment that primarily drove the EMS responder's
action(s) is recorded by marking one of the coded boxes provided. When
more than one choice is applicable to a patient, the responder should
indicate the single most important clinical assessment that influenced the
plan of therapy and management.
The box marked should clarify the actual assessment, and that may be
different from the original complaint for which the unit was dispatched.
Based on the assessment made, it should be possible to determine whether
the treatments or medications provided match protocols that relate to the
clinical impression.
Section E: Age or Date of Birth and Gender
Either the patient's age or date of birth is
entered in block E1.
By marking the
"Months" box, the age of infants can be
recorded.
Block E2 lets the responder record the
patient's sex by marking one of the two boxes.
Section F: Race and Ethnicity
Block F1 contains six boxes and one can be
marked to capture the race of the patient, if
known.
SM 6-6
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
F2 identifies the ethnicity of the subject. This is an
ethnic classification or affiliation.
Currently
"Hispanic" is the only U.S. Census Bureau ethnic
classification. Hispanic is not considered a race,
because a person can be black and Hispanic, white
and Hispanic, etc.
This data is useful for epidemiological studies and can be important in
accessing certain types of Federal or State funds that are directed to
specific racial or ethnic groups.
Section G: Human Factors and Other Factors
Nine boxes are provided in G1 to clarify
patient circumstances that may have
contributed to the injury/illness. Mark as
many boxes as applicable.
This
information can be important to injury
researchers who plan injury-reduction
programs based on human factors.
Block G2 addresses other factors--accidental; self-inflicted; or inflicted,
not self--that affect how the injury/illness occurred. Data can be used to
show number comparisons between accidental and self-inflicted incidents.
Section H: Body Site of Injury, Injury Type, and Cause of
Illness/Injury
Up to five body sites can be recorded in block H1. Describe the body site
injured and its corresponding injury type. H2 links the type of injury
noted for each body site.
SM 6-7
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Site and type of injury are crucial data elements that will enable EMS
planners to identify the types of injuries experienced by patients using the
EMS system. These data also can be used to assess the correlation
between injury assessment in the field and actual injuries as evaluated in
medical receiving facilities.
A code entered in block H3 captures the specific
cause of the illness/injury. The analysis of these
data will permit an understanding of the conditions
causing the injury and a means of planning both for
the treatment in the field of such injuries and any
illness/injury reduction program.
Example: Patient with two stab wounds in different body sites and a
blunt trauma injury to a separate body site.
Block H1
(2) neck and shoulder
(7) lower extremities
(1) head
Block H2
(18) puncture/stab
(18) puncture/stab
(11) blunt injury
Block H3
(35) stabbing
(35) stabbing
(13) assault
The system captures each separate injury related to a particular body site
for as many as five injuries.
SM 6-8
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Section I: Procedures Used
Many possible procedures are listed in Section I. Procedures are defined
here as anything done by way of assessment or treatment of the patient.
All applicable boxes should be marked to document the procedures either
attempted or actually performed on a patient.
Section J: Safety Equipment
If the patient was using safety equipment at
the time of injury, that information can be
recorded in Section J. There are nine options
provided.
These data can provide information about
safety devices used in industrial and motor
vehicle accidents. Researchers can use the
data to study the effectiveness of safety
devices in preventing injuries and reducing
mortality.
Section K: Cardiac Arrest
This section offers choices to indicate whether cardiac arrest was pre- or
postarrival. If it was pre-arrival, boxes can be marked to document that it
was witnessed and/or that bystanders performed CPR.
SM 6-9
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
The initial arrest rhythm also can be captured.
Mark a box to record V-Fib/V-Tach, Other, or
Undetermined.
Data from this section can be used to evaluate
prehospital CPR and the effect of cardiac care
on morbidity.
Section L: Initial Level of Provider and Highest Level of
Provider On Scene
Block L1 collects data regarding the training
level of responders providing initial care.
Trends in prehospital care provided by fire
departments can be researched using the
data.
The second block--L2--gathers traininglevel information for responders who
provided the highest level of care at the
scene. Having this knowledge can help
determine what effect level of care in the
field has on patient outcomes.
Section M: Patient Status
A box can be marked to indicate whether the
patient "Improved," "Remained same," or
"Worsened" while under fire department care.
This determination would be made at the time
of patient transfer. Also a box will, if marked,
record that the patient had a pulse when
transferred.
SM 6-10
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Section N: Disposition
Six choices are available to document
disposition of the patient. These data
will allow generation of reports that
show disposition for EMS responses
and can correlate the various patient
treatments to patient outcomes.
SM 6-11
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
SM 6-12
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Activity 6.1
Completion of Emergency Medical Services Module
Purpose
Given scenarios of hypothetical incidents, to complete EMS Modules correctly.
Directions
1.
Work with your small group to complete EMS Modules accurately describing the
scenarios. FDID, dates, and times will be provided by your instructor, as
necessary.
2.
Allow 15 minutes to complete the modules and be prepared to give a brief
presentation to the rest of the class.
Scenario 1
A fire department first-responder unit is dispatched at 1405 hours on April 1, 2004, to a
medical call--incident #0004567. The unit is staffed with a driver, an officer, and an
EMT. They arrive at the residence, 210 E. Byrd Street, Ashland, OH 44805, at 1407
hours and reach the patient's side at 1410. They find the owner, Mr. Andrew Hyde, a 35year-old white male, unconscious on the floor. His friends tell them that he just shot up
on heroin and has overdosed. The patient shows signs of shallow breathing, pin-point
pupils, and has a faint pulse. The EMT inserts an airway, administers oxygen, and assists
in ventilation.
A private medic unit arrives and the paramedic administers a dose of Narcan. The patient
responds and begins breathing on his own. At 1440, the paramedic determines that the
patient has stabilized and arranges transport to an emergency room for further evaluation.
The fire department clears the scene at 1450.
Scenario 2
Incident #5678, May 1, 2004, is a medical call responded to by a fire department unit
dispatched at 2358 hours. The unit arrives at the home of Mrs. Maria Lopez, 1245 S.
First St, Brooklyn, NY 11205 at 0005. Immediately, the crew (a driver and an EMT) is
met by her daughter, Marta Lopez (a 22-year-old white, Hispanic female). She has been
stabbed in the leg; she bleeds from the wound. Further examination reveals burns on one
arm. A first responder stops the bleeding, bandages the wound, and provides care for the
burns. At 0020, the patient's family chooses to provide transportation to the closest
hospital for further treatment. The unit records the Lopez's telephone number as (516)
999-9999 and clears the scene at 0025.
SM 6-13
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Scenario 3
A fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic are dispatched to 4125 N.
Vine Avenue, Jackson, MS 39201 at 2315 hours on September 4, 2004, to an auto
wreck--incident #9800789. Both crews (8 firefighters) arrive on the scene at 2318 hours
and reach the victims at 2320. They find one victim--a 42-year-old black male.
The driver, Mr. Raymond Street of 4305 N. Vine Avenue, is trapped between the steering
wheel and seat and must be extricated. He is alert and complains of severe neck and
chest pain. It is obvious that he also suffers from a broken arm. He admits to having a
few drinks at a party (in his neighborhood) just prior to the accident. A "C" collar is
applied to assist in immobilizing his spine prior to the extrication. The crew also splints
his broken arm once he is removed from the vehicle. He is put on oxygen for his chest
pain. Luckily, he was wearing a seatbelt, which prevented more serious injuries. He is
transported to the nearest emergency care facility by the fire department ALS ambulance
(with a crew of 2) at 2348. They cleared the incident at 0015 hours.
Scenario 4
On March 29, 2004, incident #5445 alerts the Provo Fire Department unit to an apparent
cardiac arrest at 1014 hours. The crew of three was at 12640 Blackwood St., Apt. 12E,
Provo, Utah 84602 at 1017 but could not immediately secure an elevator to the 12th floor
and did not make patient contact until 1025. The crew found a 57-year-old Asian male
(Mr. Hong Soon Lee) on the floor with his wife (Ai) performing CPR. She told the crew
that her husband had a history of heart ailments and that he has just complained of severe
chest pains and collapsed on the floor. The Lee's own the building; telephone number
(444) 666-7777.
The firefighter/paramedic immediately inserted an ET tube and began an oxygen flow
while the rest of the crew continued with CPR. The firefighter/paramedic then hooked up
the automatic external defibrillator (AED) and began an assessment. The AED showed
that the victim was in V-fib and suggested that shocks be administered. A series of
shocks were administered without any results.
A fire department ambulance (crew of 2) arrived on scene and an ACLS paramedic began
to administer a series of heart drugs after consultation with the physician advisor. The
crew continued with CPR and additional shocks were given. After 15 more minutes of
CPR, the patient was still showing a flat line on the heart monitor. The ACLS paramedic,
after consultation, stopped CPR. The ambulance transported Mr. Lee to Provo Hospital
at 1057. The fire department cleared the scene at 1059.
SM 6-14
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 6-15
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
SM 6-16
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
SUMMARY
The EMS Module is used to report all medical incidents to which a fire
department responds. When an "Incident Type" in the 300 series is noted
on the Basic Module, the EMS Module also may be completed. A
separate EMS Module is used for each patient.
SM 6-17
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
SM 6-18
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 6-1
UNIT 6:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES MODULE-MODULE-NFIRS 6
Slide 66-1
Slide 6-2
NFIRS 6-EMERGENCY
6--EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES
MODULE
Slide 66-2
Slide 6-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Identify the different modules that are used
to record casualties/injuries.
• Understand the need for the various modules
and which module to use in various
circumstances.
• Given hypothetical narrative reports,
demonstrate how to complete the EMS
Modules.
Slide 66-3
SM 6-19
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Slide 6-4
PURPOSE OF EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES
MODULE
• The purpose of the EMS Module is to
gather basic data relating to provision of
emergency medical care to the community.
• Complete when Incident Type "Medical
Assist" (311, 321, 322, or 323) is reported
in Section C of the Basic Module.
Slide 66-4
Slide 6-5
USE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES MODULE
• The EMS Module is not intended to
replace or otherwise interfere with State
or local EMS patient care reporting
requirements.
• The data elements in this module should
be viewed as "core elements" around
which a complete patient care report can
be built.
Slide 66-5
Slide 6-6
A--HEADER
--HEADER INFORMATION
• Header information is repeated on all
modules.
• In an automated system, this
information is entered once and
imported into all modules.
Slide 66-6
SM 6-20
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Slide 6-7
B--NUMBER
--NUMBER OF
PATIENTS/PATIENT NUMBER
• The total number of patients that were
treated by emergency responders at the
EMS incident.
• "Patient Number" is a unique number
assigned to each patient treated at a single
EMS incident.
Slide 66-7
Slide 6-8
C--TIME
--TIME ARRIVED AT
PATIENT/TIME OF PATIENT
TRANSFER
• Time Arrived at Patient-The time when
Patient--The
emergency personnel established direct contact
with patient.
• Time of Patient Transfer-The time when the
Transfer--The
response unit left the scene or when patient
care was transferred to another care provider.
Slide 66-8
Slide 6-9
D--PROVIDER
--PROVIDER
IMPRESSION/ASSESSMENT
Captures the single clinical
assessment which led to the care
given
Slide 66-9
SM 6-21
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Slide 6-10
E1--AGE
--AGE OR DATE OF BIRTH
• Identifies the age
or date of birth of
the patient
• Permits analysis of
outcomes based on
age and condition
Slide 66-10
Slide 6-11
E2--GENDER
--GENDER
Identifies the gender of
the patient
Slide 66-11
Slide 6-12
F1--RACE
--RACE
Identifies the
patient as a
certain race
(based on U.S.
Census Bureau
categories)
Slide 66-12
SM 6-22
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Slide 6-13
F2--ETHNICITY
--ETHNICITY
Identifies the
ethnicity of the
patient (based on
U.S. Census
Bureau
categories)
Slide 66-13
Slide 6-14
G1-HUMAN FACTORS
G1--HUMAN
The physical or
mental state of the
person prior to the
need for emergency
assistance
Slide 66-14
Slide 6-15
G2--OTHER
--OTHER FACTORS
Factors contributing
to the patient's injury
other than those
covered by Human
Factors (G1)
Slide 66-15
SM 6-23
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Slide 6-16
H1--BODY
--BODY SITE OF INJURY/
H2--INJURY
--INJURY TYPE
• H1 identifies the area of the body that
sustained the injury.
• H2 describes the injury to that site.
• List one injury type for each body site listed.
Slide 66-16
Slide 6-17
H3--CAUSE
--CAUSE OF ILLNESS/INJURY
Identifies the
physical event
that caused the
injury or illness
Slide 66-17
Slide 6-18
I--PROCEDURES
--PROCEDURES USED
Identifies the
procedures
attempted or
performed on a
patient
Slide 66-18
SM 6-24
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Slide 6-19
J--SAFETY
--SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Identifies the types of
safety equipment in
use by the patient at
the time of injury
Slide 66-19
Slide 6-20
K--CARDIAC
--CARDIAC ARREST
This field is used only if the patient
went into or was found in cardiac
arrest.
• Was cardiac arrest prepre-arrival?
Was it witnessed? Was bystander
CPR performed? Or
• Was cardiac arrest postarrival?
postarrival?
• What was the original arrest
rhythm?
Slide 66-20
Slide 6-21
L1--INITIAL
--INITIAL LEVEL OF FIRE
DEPARTMENT PROVIDER
Identifies the
training level of
the first fire
department
responder(s) to
provide patient
care
Slide 66-21
SM 6-25
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Slide 6-22
L2--HIGHEST
--HIGHEST LEVEL OF FIRE
DEPARTMENT PROVIDER
Identifies the
highest level of
fire department
care that the
patient received
at the scene
Slide 66-22
Slide 6-23
M--PATIENT
--PATIENT STATUS
Identifies the change in
mental or physical status
of the patient at the time
responsibility for patient
care was transferred to
another agency
Slide 66-23
Slide 6-24
N--DISPOSITION
--DISPOSITION
Describes whether
or not the patient
was transported
from the scene
and who provided
the transport
Slide 66-24
SM 6-26
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MODULE--NFIRS 6
Slide 6-25
Activity 6.1
Completion of Emergency
Medical Services Module
Slide 66-25
Slide 6-26
SUMMARY
• The EMS Module (NFIRS 6) is used to
report all medical incidents to which a fire
department responds, except:
- Civilian Fire Casualties (NFIRS 4).
- Fire Service Casualties (NFIRS 5).
• When an "Incident Type" in the 300 series
is reported on the Basic Module, the EMS
Module also should be completed.
Slide 66-26
Slide 6-27
QUESTIONS?
Slide 66-27
SM 6-27
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 7:
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MODULE--NFIRS 7
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the HazMat Module is to be used.
2.
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, demonstrate how to complete the HazMat Module
and identify other appropriate modules.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
SM 7-2
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
HAZMAT MODULE--NFIRS 7
The "optional" HazMat Module is used when the
Basic Module (Block H3--Hazardous Materials
Release) indicates "other" for hazardous material.
Its purpose is to document reportable haz mat
incidents. A reportable haz mat incident is one in
which:
•
specialized haz mat resources were dispatched or used, or should
have been dispatched or used, for assessing, mitigating, or
managing the situation; or
•
releases or spills of hazardous materials exceed 55 gallons.
Nothing in this definition is meant to alter compliance with State or
local haz mat reporting requirements. In States with mandatory
reporting, the State legislature determines which optional modules
(EMS, HazMat, Wildland, etc.) are to be submitted to the State.
The HazMat Module permits hazardous materials incidents to be profiled
in depth for incident-management analysis and response-strategy
development. It collects relevant information on:
•
•
•
•
•
hazardous materials identification;
container information;
release amounts and location;
actions taken; and
mitigating factors.
If more than one hazardous material is involved, one module is completed
for each haz mat released. Note that the term "release" is intended to
include a spill.
SM 7-3
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure, Haz Number
This information is essentially the same as that which is collected on the
Basic Module. The one exception is the "Haz Number." As noted above,
if more than one haz mat are involved, one module is completed for each
haz mat released.
These modules are sequentially numbered in the field "Haz Number" in
Section A, starting with "00" for the first chemical, "01" for the second,
and so forth.
Section B: HazMat ID
The purpose of Section B is to identify the specific hazardous materials
involved in an incident as accurately as possible. Several different
identification systems have been developed that can aid fire department
personnel with identifying hazardous materials:
•
•
•
•
•
United Nations (UN) Number;
Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazard Classification;
Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Registration Number;
chemical identifier; and
chemical name.
Not all of these systems need to be used to identify the hazardous
materials. In fact, in an automated system, many of these data elements
are cross-referenced in the database. Thus, the entry of one piece of
information may cause the system to populate some or all of the other haz
mat identification fields.
Example: If the CAS Number is known and entered, the system will
populate all other HazMat ID fields without any further lookup being
necessary.
Those chemicals listed in the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
publication, Hazardous Materials Guide for First Responders, are crossreferenced in an appendix of the NFIRS Handbook.
SM 7-4
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
In some cases, it may take more than one piece of information to identify a
hazardous material accurately.
Example: The UN Number does not necessarily identify a specific
chemical. Thus, in cases where the UN Number is used, it must be in
conjunction with the chemical or trade name for the specific chemical to
be identified accurately.
The UN Number is a four-digit number
assigned to the hazardous material that
conforms to UN standards for the
identification of hazardous materials in
international transportation. These numbers
may be found in a variety of reference
materials, including the North American
Emergency Response Guidebook (NAERG)
published by the Research and Special
Programs Administration, of the DOT, and
the Hazardous Materials Guide for First
Responders published by the USFA.
In some cases, a single UN Number will be
assigned to several materials with similar
properties. Not all hazardous materials have been assigned UN Numbers.
The primary hazard associated
with
various
hazardous
materials
categories
is
described by the DOT Hazard
Classification system. It is
used on placards or labels
during transportation. Since
many materials have multiple
hazards, the DOT Hazard
Classification
may
not
describe all of the potential
hazards faced by emergency
responders at a haz mat
incident.
SM 7-5
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Firefighter Safety Study Act of 1990
Public Law 101-446, the Firefighter Safety Study Act of 1990, directs the
Administrator of the USFA to consult and coordinate a review of information
available to first responders with government agencies, private sector firms, and first
responders. The goal of these efforts is to improve the accuracy and suitability of
response guidance so that safer and more effective responses to hazardous materials
incidents can be conducted at the State and local level.
The Hazardous Materials Guide for First Responders is the
result of an extensive study of available hazardous materials
response resources for first responders undertaken by the
USFA as part of the Firefighter Safety Study Act. The study
concluded that, while several excellent and technically
accurate resources are available, none is directed to the
specific needs of the first responder trained at the Awareness
or Operational Levels of Training, the training levels of most
first responders.
This book provides important information for the initial response to both
transportation and fixed facility incidents. It has been designed to present the first
responder with a maximum amount of useful key information in a limited amount of
space. As with any reference, it cannot include all information that might be useful
or discuss all situations that might occur, nor can it replace the training and
experience of individual responders. The information contained in this book has
been reviewed by several sources and is as technically accurate as possible. For
major incidents, it will be necessary to obtain more detailed information from other
resources as well as more advanced expertise from those with training that is more
extensive.
Order Information
Fire service personnel and other first responders may order the Hazardous Materials
Guide for First Responders in paper copy or CD-ROM formats from the USFA
Publications Center (http://www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/publications).
The Guide also may be purchased from the United States Department of Commerce,
National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling:
1-800-553-NTIS (6847) or
(703) 605-6000
Order number (Hardcopy): AVA-20342-BB00
Order number (CD-ROM): AVA20831-CDRM
SM 7-6
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
The DOT Hazard Classification consists of a single-digit hazard-class
code followed by a decimal point and a single-digit code for the division.
For the purpose of documentation, this two-part hazard class/division code
has been converted to a two-digit code. The proper entry in this field is
the two-digit code that corresponds with the hazard classification and
division as found on a placard or label.
By itself, the DOT hazard class and division does not identify a specific
chemical. To do so, it must be used in conjunction with the chemical or
trade name or the CAS Number.
The CAS Registration Number is the identification number assigned to a
chemical by the Chemical Abstract Service of the Chemical Abstract
Society. This number may be found in reference materials, on Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's), and on some product labels. Not all
hazardous materials have an assigned CAS Number.
In an automated system, it is intended that the entry of the CAS
Registration Number would populate all other HazMat ID fields without
any further lookup being necessary.
The chemical name is the standard chemical or trade name by which the
hazardous material is commonly known. Products from different
manufacturers with similar chemical ingredients may have different trade
names.
The proper entry in this field is the chemical or trade name of the
hazardous material as shown on the MSDS, product label, packaging, or
container.
Example: A common herbicide used for household applications may be
entered by the trade name "Weed-B-Gone™" or by the chemical name
"2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2-4D)."
Section C: Container Information
Section C identifies the type or configuration of the container used to
transport or to store the hazardous material and the amount of material the
container was designed to hold. Complete information on the types of
containers involved in haz mat incidents will provide guidance to
regulators that establish container design requirements, and will aid in
prevention and code-development efforts.
SM 7-7
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Block C1--Container Type--refers to the type or
configuration of the container, equipment, or
facility used to transport or to store the
hazardous material. The proper entry is the
two-digit code for the corresponding container
type from the list provided in the NFIRS
Handbook or Quick Reference Guide (QRG).
The estimated amount of material
the container was designed to
hold, by volume or by weight, is
captured in C2. The container
capacity is reported as two data
elements. One is a numeric entry
made in this block and expresses
quantity.
The other defines the unit of
measure--either volume or weight.
It is documented by marking the
appropriate box in block C3. Both must be reported for the data to be
meaningful.
Section D: Estimated Release
The
quantity
of
hazardous
materials released is also reported
as two data elements. Again, both
must be reported for the data to be
meaningful. The estimated amount
of material released from a
container--by volume or by
weight--is expressed as a whole
number in D1.
Marking one box in D2 identifies the appropriate unit of measure.
Information on the amount of material released provides an important
measure of the magnitude of the hazardous materials release problem.
SM 7-8
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Section E: Physical State When Released and Released Into
The simple physical state of the material (i.e., solid,
liquid, gas, or undetermined) during release or when
it became hazardous is captured in E1 by marking
one box.
The purpose of E2 is to provide information on the
general environmental impact and, when used in
conjunction with other data elements, how
extensive that impact is. This field identifies the
general region(s) of the environment contaminated
by the hazardous material after its release.
If more than one hazardous material is involved in the incident, the
remainder of the module is completed only for the first (most significant)
material involved.
Section F: Released From
Information on the physical location from
which the hazardous material was released is
captured in block F1. Was the release below
grade? Was it inside or outside a structure? If
the release was inside (or on) a structure, on
what story did it occur?
SM 7-9
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Block F2 records a general description of the
population density in the area adjacent to the
hazardous materials release. Was the release
in an urban, suburban, or rural area?
Section G: Area Affected, Area Evacuated, Estimated Number
of People Evacuated, and Estimated Number of Buildings
Evacuated
Information on the area affected by a hazardous materials release, when
used in conjunction with other data elements, will assist in understanding
the magnitude of the release. In turn, this information can be used to
guide future training and incident management efforts.
Block G1 captures the size of the area or space
directly affected by the hazardous material
release. The area affected is reported as two data
elements.
The first defines the unit of
measurement. It is noted by marking a box for
square feet, blocks, or square miles. The second
is a numeric entry that expresses the actual
measurement. Both must be reported for the data
to be meaningful.
The area evacuated--block G2--refers to the
amount of area or space evacuated because
of the hazardous material release or
potential release.
It is reported as two data elements--the first defines the unit of
measurement and the second is numeric, expressing the actual
measurement. Again, both entries must be made for the data to be
meaningful.
Block G3 collects data regarding the
estimated number of people evacuated due
to the hazardous material release or
potential release. Block G4 notes that
same kind of information for buildings.
SM 7-10
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Section H: HazMat Actions Taken
There are particular actions taken at
a hazardous material release
incident scene by personnel
specifically trained and equipped to
mitigate the hazards that might
arise. Up to three of the most
significant haz mat actions taken
can be documented on the lines in
this section.
Note: Actions taken by fire service personnel who are not specifically
trained and equipped to mitigate hazardous material incidents are recorded
in the Basic Module.
Section I: Fire or Explosion Involved With a Release
The purpose of this section is to collect information on the causal
relationship of events occurring in situations where a fire or explosion is
involved with a hazardous material release. Based on which box is
marked, it may be possible to show which occurred first--the release or the
fire/explosion.
Section J: Cause of Release
This required section documents the
general cause of the release or
threatened release of a hazardous
material. Aggregate information on
the cause of releases can be used to
guide prevention and enforcement
efforts.
Example: A hazardous materials release resulting from a rusted drum
would be recorded as "Container/Containment failure."
SM 7-11
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Section K: Factors Contributing to Release
Factors present at the time and
location of the incident that
contributed to the release or
threatened release are recorded
in this section. Up to three of
the
most
significant
contributing factors and their
accompanying codes may be
entered.
Section L: Mitigating Factors or Impediments
If there were factors that
impeded
the
fire
department's mitigation of
the release or threatened
release, the three primary
ones present at the time and
location of the incident are
documented here.
This information is of
particular importance in cases where delays in mitigating the incident may
have contributed to the severity of the incident.
Section M: Equipment Involved in Release
Data regarding equipment that
either failed or, while working
properly, allowed the release or
threatened release of hazardous
materials are collected in this
section. Lines are provided to
note a description and code for
the equipment and the relevant
brand, model, serial number,
and year.
SM 7-12
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Note: The code set table used for this data element is the same set that is
used for Equipment Involved in Ignition--F1 in the Fire Module. Please
see the codes listed for that data element in the NFIRS Handbook or QRG.
Information on the type of equipment involved in the release can be used
to guide prevention, enforcement, and product design efforts. Specific
information on the year, brand, and serial number will assist in product
recall efforts.
Section N: Mobile Property Involved in Release
Details regarding mobile property that either failed or, while working
properly, allowed the release or threatened release of hazardous materials
are recorded here. As noted above--regarding equipment--this information
can be used in prevention, enforcement, and product design efforts.
Note: Depending on State and local laws, specific documentation on
mobile property involved in the release of a hazardous material may assist
the fire department in collecting reimbursement from the responsible party
for the expenses incurred in mitigating the hazardous materials incident.
The mobile property type refers
to property that is designed and
constructed to be mobile-movable under its own power
or towed. A description and
code are entered to clarify the
property type.
On the line requesting "Mobile
property make," the property
manufacturer is recorded.
Model refers to the manufacturer's model name. If one does not exist, use
the physical description of the property that is commonly used. Enter the
year the property was manufactured.
If there is a license plate affixed to the mobile property, note the plate
number and State on the next line.
The last line is used to enter the number assigned to the commercial
carrier by the DOT. That number is generally found stenciled on the
mobile property.
SM 7-13
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Section O: HazMat Disposition
This required section is used to
indicate
the
agencies
that
participated in disposition of this
haz mat incident. This information
will assist in understanding the
extent to which the fire department
is involved in resolving the incident
and the frequency with which other
agencies or contractors are used for
incident mitigation.
Section P: HazMat Civilian Casualties
Data on the number of civilians killed or injured because of their contact
with or exposure to hazardous materials that have been spilled or released
are collected in this section. This information will provide a concise
measure of the scope of human costs associated with haz mat incidents.
One entry is made to record the number of civilian deaths and the number
of civilian injuries because of their contact or exposure to the hazardous
material.
The Civilian Fire Casualty Module (NFIRS-4) should not be used for this
purpose unless the release resulted in a fire and the civilian(s) were injured
or killed because of the fire. Instead, an EMS Module (NFIRS-6) can be
completed for each non-fire-service person killed or injured because of
contact with, or exposure to, hazardous materials.
The Fire Service Casualty Module (NFIRS-5) should be completed for
each fire service member killed or injured because of contact with, or
exposure to, hazardous materials.
SM 7-14
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Activity 7.1
Completion of HazMat Module
Purpose
To complete the HazMat Module correctly and to identify other modules that should be
completed, and by whom, based on the information provided.
Directions
1.
Work with your small group to complete the HazMat Module that accurately
describes the hypothetical scenario. Note: FDID, dates and times will be
provided by your instructor, as necessary.
2.
Identify, by name, the other NFIRS modules that should be completed and who
would complete each one.
3.
Allow 20 minutes to complete the module, identify other modules, and be
prepared for class discussion.
Scenario
At 0630 hours on Monday, May 10, 2004, the Tallahassee Fire Communications Center
(FDID TR100) was notified that a cargo tanker had overturned on the southbound offramp from the 5th Street Bridge to Highway 287, Tallahassee, FL 32301. The
Communications Center assigned Number 2436 to the incident and dispatched two
engines and one truck company (each with a crew of three), a rescue unit (two crew
members), and a battalion chief. While en route, the dispatcher advised responding units
that numerous calls were being received from the residential subdivision south of the
incident. Citizens were reporting a foul odor and individuals who were having difficulty
breathing.
At 0636 hours, Engine 2 arrived on the scene and reported that a 6,000-gallon MC-307
cargo tanker had rolled on its side and was spilling its load down the street and into the
river (a four-block area). Engine 2 further reported that the tanker had a placard bearing
the UN ID #1092. The DOT Emergency Response Guide was used to identify the
material as Acrolein, Inhibited. The truck driver was trapped in the vehicle and
considered either unconscious or dead. Engine 2 requested that the Gorman County
Hazardous Materials Response Team (FDID 08900) and a private ambulance with two
personnel be dispatched.
SM 7-15
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Upon his arrival at 0640 hours, the Battalion Chief ordered an evacuation of, at least,
600 feet in all directions. He also requested that the police department evacuate a
downwind area 1.5 miles in width and 3 miles in length. Approximately 200 homes in
this suburban area and approximately 600 people were affected by the evacuation order.
The Battalion Chief also requested that six more private ambulances with two persons
each be dispatched to a staging area, and ordered both highways shut down to traffic.
Two additional engines each with a crew of three were dispatched to assist with the
evacuation. Fire department personnel established a decontamination area and
deployed protective hoselines while awaiting the haz mat response team.
About 30 minutes later, the two-unit, 12-member haz mat response team arrived and
assumed operational control of the incident. (Their incident number was 226.) Over
the next 6 hours, the haz mat team contained the spill by placing dikes in the street,
absorbent booms in the river, and stopped the leak by securing the dome cover. The
driver (who apparently died from inhalation of the vapors) was removed,
decontaminated, and released to the coroner. The incident was declared under control
at 1310 hours.
Eventually, the tanker was off-loaded by a private contractor and was righted. A
vacuum truck and absorbent materials provided by a private contractor were used to
remove the remaining chemical hazard from the street and river. It was estimated that
1,000 gallons of Acrolein was released because of the incident. A total of 16 civilians
and two police officers complaining of respiratory distress were transported to the
hospital by private ambulances. Fire department personnel suffered no casualties. The
haz mat team left the scene at 1525 hours and the last fire department unit cleared the
scene at 1530 hours.
Upon investigation, the State Police determined that the driver lost control of the tanker
when he was exiting onto the off-ramp at an excessive speed. Part of the problem was
that the brakes failed to operate properly. The driver, William Harris, lived in
Tallahassee, 101 N. 14th Street 32312.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 7-16
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
SUMMARY
The optional HazMat Module is used to document reportable haz mat
incidents. For an incident to be reportable, it generally requires that
•
•
specialized haz mat resources either were or should have been
dispatched or used; or
releases or spills of hazardous materials exceeded 55 gallons.
The need to comply with State or local haz mat reporting requirements is
not altered by the completion of this module.
Accurate data from the HazMat Module can provide indepth information
that can be used for management analysis and for response strategy
development.
SM 7-17
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
SM 7-18
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 7-1
UNIT 7:
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MODULE-NFIRS 7
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 77-1
Slide 7-2
NFIRS 7-HAZARDOUS
7--HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS MODULE
Slide 77-2
Slide 7-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the HazMat Module is to
be used.
• Given a scenario of a hypothetical
incident, demonstrate how to complete
the HazMat Module and identify other
appropriate modules.
Slide 77-3
SM 7-19
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-4
PURPOSE OF HAZMAT MODULE
• The purpose of the Hazardous Materials
Module is to document REPORTABLE
haz mat incidents.
• Used when the Basic Module, Block H,
Hazardous Materials Release, indicates
"other."
Slide 77-4
Slide 7-5
DEFINITION OF REPORTABLE
HAZMAT INCIDENT
A REPORTABLE haz mat incident occurs
when:
• Specialized haz mat resources were used or
should have been used for managing the
situation
• Releases or spills of hazardous materials
exceeded 55 gallons
• As otherwise required
Slide 77-5
Slide 7-6
A--HEADER
--HEADER INFORMATION
• Identifies the responding department
and incident being reported
• Exposure-If haz mat release was in
Exposure--If
connection with a fire and release was in
an exposure property
• HazMat Number-A separate sequential
Number--A
number assigned to each material
Slide 77-6
SM 7-20
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-7
B--HAZMAT
--HAZMAT ID
• Used to identify specific haz mat involved
in the incident.
• Several different identification systems,
but not all needed to identify the haz mat.
• In an automated system, many elements
are crosscross-referenced; entry of one may
populate other fields.
Slide 77-7
Slide 7-8
B--UN
--UN NUMBER
• FourFour-digit number assigned to haz mat (using
United Nations standards).
• Found in a variety of sources:
– North American Emergency Response
Guidebook.
– Hazardous Materials Guide for First
Responders.
• A single UN Number can be assigned to multiple
materials.
Slide 77-8
Slide 7-9
B--DOT
--DOT HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
• Describes the primary hazard associated
with various hazardous materials.
• Department of Transportation (DOT)
Hazard Class and Division are combined
into a twotwo-digit code.
• Does not identify a specific chemical-must
chemical--must
be used with other identifier(s).
identifier(s).
Slide 77-9
SM 7-21
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-10
B--CAS
--CAS REGISTRATION NUMBER
• Identification number assigned to a
chemical by Chemical Abstract Service
(CAS) of the Chemical Abstract Society.
• Not all haz mats have an assigned CAS.
Slide 77-10
Slide 7-11
B--CHEMICAL
--CHEMICAL NAME
• Standard chemical or trade name by which
the hazardous material is known.
• Products from different manufacturers
with similar chemical ingredients may
have different trade names.
• Proper entry is the chemical or trade name
of the hazardous material.
Slide 77-11
Slide 7-12
C1--CONTAINER
--CONTAINER TYPE
Identifies the type or
configuration of the
container, equipment, or
facility used to transport
and/or store the
hazardous material.
Slide 77-12
SM 7-22
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-13
C2 /C3--ESTIMATED
--ESTIMATED CONTAINER
CAPACITY & UNIT OF MEASURE
• The amount of material
the container was
designed to hold
• Reported as two data
elements:
– Quantity
– Unit of Measure
Slide 77-13
Slide 7-14
D1/D2--ESTIMATED
--ESTIMATED AMOUNT
RELEASED & UNIT OF
MEASURE
• The amount of
material released from
a container
• Reported as two data
elements:
– Quantity
– Unit of Measure
Slide 77-14
Slide 7-15
E1--PHYSICAL
--PHYSICAL STATE WHEN
RELEASED
The simple physical
state of the material
during release or when
it became hazardous
Slide 77-15
SM 7-23
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-16
E2--RELEASED
--RELEASED INTO
Describes the environment contaminated by
the hazardous material after release (air,
water, ground)
Slide 77-16
Slide 7-17
F1--RELEASED
--RELEASED FROM
Identifies the physical
location from which the haz
mat was released
• Above grade
• Below grade
• Inside or outside of a
structure
Slide 77-17
Slide 7-18
F2--POPULATION
--POPULATION DENSITY
General description of the population density
in the area adjacent to the hazardous
materials release
Slide 77-18
SM 7-24
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-19
G1--AREA
--AREA AFFECTED
Indicates the amount of area or space directly
affected by the hazardous material release
Slide 77-19
Slide 7-20
G2--AREA
--AREA EVACUATED
Identifies the measure and size of the area
evacuated as a result of the hazardous
materials release (or potential release)
Slide 77-20
Slide 7-21
G3--ESTIMATED
--ESTIMATED NUMBER OF
PEOPLE EVACUATED
The estimated number of people evacuated
as a result of the hazardous materials release
(or potential release)
Slide 77-21
SM 7-25
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-22
G4--ESTIMATED
--ESTIMATED NUMBER OF
BUILDINGS EVACUATED
The estimated number of buildings
evacuated as a result of the hazardous
materials release (or potential release)
Slide 77-22
Slide 7-23
H--HAZMAT
--HAZMAT ACTIONS TAKEN
• The particular
actions taken to
mitigate a hazardous
materials incident
• Enter up to three
actions taken
Slide 77-23
Slide 7-24
I--WHICH
--WHICH OCCURRED FIRST?
• If fire or explosion is involved with a
release-the indication of which occurred
release--the
first.
• Did the haz mat release cause the fire or
did the fire cause the haz mat release?
Slide 77-24
SM 7-26
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-25
J--CAUSE
--CAUSE OF RELEASE
Identifies the cause of the situation that
created the release (or potential release) of a
hazardous material
Slide 77-25
Slide 7-26
K--FACTORS
--FACTORS CONTRIBUTING
TO RELEASE
Identifies the factors present that contributed
to the release (or potential release) of a
hazardous material
Slide 77-26
Slide 7-27
L--FACTORS
--FACTORS AFFECTING
MITIGATION
• Identifies factors
present that affected
management of the
release (or potential
release) of a hazardous
material
• Enter up to three
factors
Slide 77-27
SM 7-27
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-28
M--EQUIPMENT
--EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IN
RELEASE
Identifies equipment
that failed or otherwise
allowed the release (or
potential release) of
hazardous materials
Slide 77-28
Slide 7-29
N--MOBILE
--MOBILE PROPERTY
INVOLVED IN RELEASE
Identifies mobile
property that failed or
otherwise allowed the
release (or potential
release) of hazardous
materials
Slide 77-29
Slide 7-30
O--HAZMAT
--HAZMAT DISPOSITION
Identifies the individual or entity, if any,
that assumes control of the incident from
the fire department
Slide 77-30
SM 7-28
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-31
P--HAZMAT
--HAZMAT CIVILIAN CASUALTIES
• The number of civilians injured or killed as a
result of contact or exposure to a hazardous
materials
• No Civilian Casualty Module required (if fire
and haz mat injury, report as civilian fire
casualty, not haz mat)
Slide 77-31
Slide 7-32
Activity 7.1
Completion of HazMat
Module
Slide 77-32
Slide 7-33
SUMMARY
The purpose of the optional HazMat
Module is to document REPORTABLE
haz mat incidents:
• Specialized haz mat resources were
used or should have been used for
managing the situation.
• Releases or spills of hazardous
materials exceed 55 gallons.
Slide 77-33
SM 7-29
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MODULE--NFIRS 7
Slide 7-34
QUESTIONS?
Slide 77-34
SM 7-30
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 8:
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Wildland Fire Module is to be used.
2.
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, demonstrate how to complete the Wildland Fire
Module.
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
SM 8-2
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Historically, NFIRS data have not proved useful in understanding the
nature and magnitude of the wildland fire problem. The "optional"
Wildland Module attempts to rectify this by capturing data about:
•
•
•
the number of acres burned and the type of materials involved in
these fires;
conditions that contribute to the ignition and spread of wildland
fires; and
the resources needed to control and/or extinguish these fires.
The purpose of the Wildland Fire Module is to document reportable
wildland fires. A reportable wildland fire is any fire involving vegetative
fuels that occurs in the wildland or urban/wildland interface areas,
including those fires that threaten or consume structures.
To understand better the role of fire in the wildland ecosystem, prescribed
fires also are included in this definition of reportable fires.
For the purpose of wildland fire reporting, the following definitions are
used.
•
Prescribed Fire. Any fire ignited based on management orders to
meet specific objectives. A written, approved prescribed fire plan
must exist prior to ignition (Incident Type 632).
•
Urban/Wildland Interface Area. The geographical area where
structures and other human development meet or intermingle with
wildland or vegetative fuels.
SM 8-3
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
•
Urban/Wildland Interface Fire. Any fire, other than a prescribed
fire, where fire suppression tactics were influenced by a
geographical area where structures and other human development
meet or intermingle with wildland or vegetative fuels (Incident
Type 141).
•
Wildland Fire. Any fire other than a prescribed fire, involving
vegetative fuels present in the wildland; a wildland fire may
expose and possibly consume structures (Incident Type 141).
•
Wildland. An area in which development is essentially nonexistent, except for roads, railroads, power lines, and similar
facilities.
The Wildland Fire Module permits wildland fires to be profiled in depth
for resource allocation, incident management, and fire impact analysis. In
addition, aggregated data on wildland fires will provide invaluable
information that can be used by policymakers in developing codes and
standards, zoning ordinances, and forest management plans.
Wildland Fire Module Use
The "optional" Wildland Fire Module is used when the Incident Type is
coded as Forest, Woods, or Wildland Fire (Incident Type 141), or a
Prescribed Fire (Incident Type 632). In these cases, the Wildland Fire
Module would be used in lieu of the Fire Module.
The Wildland Fire Module also may be used for the following Incident
Types:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
SM 8-4
140--Vegetation Fire, Other;
142--Brush, or Brush and Grass Mixture Fire;
143--Grass Fire;
160--Special Outside Fire;
170--Cultivated Vegetation, Crop Fire, Other;
171--Cultivated Grain, Crop Fire;
172--Cultivated Orchard or Vineyard Fire;
173--Cultivated Trees or Nursery Stock Fire;
561--Unauthorized Burning; and
631--Controlled Burning (Authorized).
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Controlled Burning versus Prescribed Fire
Incident Type 631, "Controlled Burning," is used for fires where the
burning is authorized and under control. Controlled burns are typically
"agricultural" in nature and managed by the property owner. In order to
meet the definition of a Prescribed Fire (Incident Type 632), a written,
approved prescribed fire plan must exist prior to ignition. These fires are
typically carried out by a wildland management agency.
Both types of fires are considered nonhostile, and both presume that the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements are met prior to
ignition.
A prescribed fire that escapes management's control is a hostile
fire--Incident Type is 141 (Wildland Fire). A hostile fire cannot
become a prescribed fire, but the management strategy (actions
taken) may change.
If it does not have a written, approved prescribed fire plan prior to
ignition, it is not a prescribed fire, regardless of how it is managed (or
how many times it escapes control). How the hostile fire is managed is
the action taken.
SM 8-5
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
SM 8-6
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Activity 8.1
Controlled Burning versus Prescribed Fire
Purpose
To code different scenarios.
Directions
Decide how the scenarios below should be coded.
Scenario 1
A prescribed fire, managed initially, escapes management control.
Scenario 2
A fire that occurs in an area where a managed burn was planned and where a written
approved fire plan exists prior to the ignition.
Scenario 3
A hostile fire (nonprescribed) that occurs in an area where a managed burn was planned
and is managed as a prescribed fire, but the fire escapes management control and again
becomes hostile.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
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SM 8-7
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
SM 8-8
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of an
incident. In an automated system, it is intended that a data element be
entered one time and automatically populate all fields where that
information is required.
Section B: Alternate Location Specification
This section documents the
geographical location of the
wildland fire. It is used in
place of Section B of the
Basic
Module
when
traditional
addressing
methods are not suitable.
Either the
of the fire
Township,
Subsection,
entered.
latitude/longitude
location OR the
Range, Section,
and Meridian are
This information may be of value to local authorities for contacting the
owner in connection with the fire and in making a long-term analysis of
wildland fires in similar areas or on property under the same ownership.
Section C: Area Type
This required section is a general
description of the area in which the
wildland fire occurred.
By
marking the appropriate box, it
even allows for documentation of
fires occurring in urban/wildland
interface areas.
SM 8-9
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Aggregate information on the areas where wildland fires occur will help
determine the level of risk for fires in densely populated areas versus those
in rural areas.
Section D: Wildland Fire Cause, Human Factors Contributing
to Ignition, and Fire Suppression Factors
Block D1 provides factors contributing to ignition, for the broadest
classification of ignition causes consistent with the "General Fire Causes"
adopted by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). The
primary use of this information is to distinguish between human and
nature-caused wildland fires.
The classification of Wildland Fire
Cause represents a significant
departure from the coding scheme
used in the Fire Module where a
combination of "Cause of Ignition"
and "Factors Contributing to
Ignition" are used to describe how
and why the fire started. In fact, in
some cases, the Wildland Fire Cause is not a "cause" at all, but an incident
type or a factor contributing to ignition. This peculiarity is best illustrated
by examining the following list of Wildland Fire Causes and their
relationship to the Fire Module "Causes of Ignition":
Wildland Fire Cause
Relationship to NFIRS 2 Cause of
Ignition
1 Natural Source
2 Equipment
3 Smoking
4 Open or Outdoor Fire
4 Act of Nature
3 Failure of Equipment or Heat Source
2 Unintentional
Incident Type would be Outside Fire
(wildland fire would be exposure)
2 Unintentional (Factors Contributing
would be outside/open fire for debris
or
waste disposal
Incident Type would be Structure Fire
(wildland fire would be exposure)
1 Intentional
1 Intentional (or 2, Unintentional)
5 Cause under investigation
U Cause undet. after investigation
5 Debris/Vegetation Burn
6 Structure
7 Incendiary
8 Misuse of Fire
9 Other Causes
0 Undetermined
SM 8-10
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
"Wildland Fire Cause" is the only causal information required
when using the Wildland Fire Module. However, completion of the
additional blocks provides a better understanding of how and why
the fire started. In turn, this information can be used to target fire
safety education and fire prevention programs.
Block D2 offers a number of
options to record human factors
that might contribute to the
ignition of a fire. All of the
applicable factors are selected by
marking the appropriate boxes.
The data element "Age was a
factor" is particularly useful in
tracking juvenile firesetter trends. When used in combination with L2-Gender of Person Involved, and L3--Age or Date of Birth, it can help
define who was involved with the fire.
Block D3 notes conditions or situations that contributed to the ignition of
the fire. These factors help to clarify how a heat source and combustible
material combined to start a fire. Up to two factors can be recorded, or if
appropriate, "NN" can be selected. In several instances, the unique
classification of Wildland Fire Causes limits the range of Factors
Contributing that can be used.
Example: If the Wildland Fire Cause is recorded as "Smoking," the
Factor Contributing to Ignition should be 11--Abandoned or Discarded
Materials or Products.
Example: If the Wildland Fire Cause is recorded as "Structure," the
Factor Contributing to Ignition should be 71--Exposure.
Factors Contributing to Ignition, when used in conjunction with other
elements such as Wildland Fire Cause, Equipment Involved in
Ignition, Heat Source, and Human Factors, describe how and why the
fire started. The analyses of how these elements interact provide
valuable information to guide and direct fire prevention and fire safety
education programs.
SM 8-11
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
•
The code set table used for this data element is the same set
that is used for Factors Contributing to Ignition--E2 in the Fire
Module. Please see the codes listed for that data element in the
NFIRS Handbook or Quick Reference Guide (QRG).
Block D4 is used to document
factors or conditions that
affected the fire suppression
effort or that affected the fire
management strategy. Up to
three factors or conditions that
constituted a significant fire
suppression
problem
or
affected the means in which
the fire was managed can be
entered here.
•
SM 8-12
The code set table used for this data element is the same set
that is used for Fire Suppression Factors--G in the Fire
Module. Please see the codes listed for that data element in the
NFIRS Handbook or QRG.
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Activity 8.2
Wildland Fire Suppression Factors
Purpose
To determine how different scenarios can be coded.
Directions
Determine how the scenarios below would be coded.
Scenario 1
A large brush fire was burning on a military installation in an area where unexploded
munitions could be encountered. The Incident Commander (IC) decided the best course
of action was to allow the fire to burn, but to establish a control line outside the perimeter
of the installation.
Scenario 1
A wind-driven wildfire was rapidly approaching a group of homes that had been
evacuated earlier. Access to the homes was poor, they had no defensible space to speak
of, and the water supply was inadequate. The decision was made that the homes were
indefensible and the strategy of an indirect attack on the fire would be continued.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
SM 8-13
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
SM 8-14
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Section E: Heat Source
This refers to the specific source of the heat energy that started the fire.
Examples include cigarette, cigarette lighter, match, or spark. Enter a
code from the NFIRS Handbook or the QRG.
•
The code-set table used for this data element is the same set
that is used for Heat Source--D2 in the Fire Module. Please see
the codes listed for that data element in the NFIRS Handbook
or QRG.
Section F: Mobile Property Type
Mobile Property Type refers to property that is designed and constructed
to be mobile, movable under its own power, or towed. Details regarding
mobile property that either: (a) failed; (b) was used improperly; or (c)
while working properly provided the principal heat that caused ignition, is
collected in this section. If no mobile property was involved in ignition,
this section should be left blank.
Specific information on the year, brand, and serial number of
mobile property involved in ignition is not documented in the
Wildland Fire Module. If this level of detail is desired, the Fire
Module must be used.
•
The code-set table used for this data element is the same set
that is used for Mobile Property Type--H2 in the Fire Module.
Please see the codes listed for that data element in the NFIRS
Handbook or QRG.
SM 8-15
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Section G: Equipment Involved in Ignition
This section allows for the documentation of equipment that provided the
principal heat that caused ignition. The same type of information as noted
above in Mobile Property Type can be recorded. If no equipment was
involved in ignition, this section should be left blank.
Specific information on the year, brand, and serial number of
equipment involved in ignition is not documented in the Wildland
Fire Module. If this level of detail is desired, the Fire Module
must be used.
•
The code set table used for this data element is the same set
that is used for Equipment Involved in Ignition--F1 in the Fire
Module. Please see the codes listed for that data element in the
NFIRS Handbook or QRG.
Information on the type of equipment involved in ignition can be used to
guide prevention, enforcement, and product design efforts.
Section H: Weather Information
The six-character ID number of
the National Fire Danger Rating
System
(NFDRS)
Weather
Station that monitors weather
conditions at the location of fire
origin is recorded in the NFDRS
Weather Station ID field.
Researchers
can
use
this
information to obtain specific
weather data for the time and
location of the fire origin.
If the NFDRS Weather Station ID is known, researchers will be
able to access the NFDRS database to perform later analysis of
wildland fires using weather data.
SM 8-16
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Specific weather data permit analysis of those conditions that may have
contributed to the fire cause or spread.
The weather type field is used to record a general description of the
weather type at the time and location of fire origin. A choice is made
from the following list:
The direction from which the wind was blowing at
"eye level" is noted in the wind direction field.
Example: A north wind blows out of the north and would push a fire to
the south.
This information helps in the investigation of fire causes as well as determining the rate of spread and direction of a fire.
The wind speed MPH field captures the wind speed at
the fire origin when fire suppression forces arrived.
The average wind speed (to the nearest mile-per-hour)
at the fire origin is entered. Wind speed may be measured using an
anemometer or may be obtained from the weather station. Calm
conditions are recorded as "0."
Wind speed is possibly the most important factor affecting the rate of fire
spread at an incident. This information is used to understand and predict
fire behavior as well as to evaluate fire protection strategies.
SM 8-17
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
The air temperature
field documents the
ambient
air
temperature in degrees
Fahrenheit at the time
and location of fire
origin.
Information about air temperature is used in fire modeling to assess
the potential for ignition and to understand problems associated with
suppressing fires in various weather conditions.
SM 8-18
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Relative Humidity is a measurement of the ratio of the
amount of water vapor to the greatest amount possible
at the same temperature. The relative humidity at the
time and location of fire origin is recorded in this
space. It is expressed as a percentage from 0 to 100 percent. Information
about relative humidity is used in fire modeling to assess the potential for
ignition and rate of spread under various weather conditions.
The fuel moisture field captures fuel moisture expressed
as a percentage of total weight (generally ranging from 0
to 25 percent). Fuel moisture refers to the 10-hour
reading of the moisture content of a fuel stick taken in the general area of
the fire origin. Information about fuel moisture is used in fire modeling to
assess the potential for ignition and rate of spread for different fuels under
various weather conditions.
The fire danger-rating field is used to record
the Fire Danger Rating. It refers to one
method of describing the wildfire threat in a
particular area, based on the National Fire Danger Rating System. It is
derived from both constant and variable fire danger factors that affect the
ignition, spread, and difficulty of control of fires and the damage they
cause.
Factors considered when estimating the fire danger are temperature,
relative humidity, wind speed, fuel type, and fuel moisture.
This information is used in fire prevention activities to determine when
fires are most likely to occur and to determine their severity. "Burning
bans" and park or forest closures or restrictions may be invoked based on
the Fire Danger Rating. It is also useful in presuppression planning to
determine staffing levels and critical initial attack times.
Section I: Number of Buildings Ignited, Number of Buildings
Threatened, Total Acres Burned, and Primary Crops Burned
Block I1 records the total number
of buildings, if any, that were
ignited in the wildland fire. A fire
exposure
report
should
be
completed for each fire exposure.
SM 8-19
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
If buildings were threatened, but not ignited in the wildland fire, that
number is noted in block I2. This entry implies that these buildings were
"saved" by the efforts of
fire suppression resources.
Therefore, it should be
used only when the
employed fire management tactics were for the
specific purpose of protecting threatened structures.
Block I3 is used to show
the total acres burned by a
wildland fire. Recording
the estimated number of
acres burned indicates the
magnitude of each fire and
of the wildland fire problem overall.
An estimated number of acres burned represents a vital component of the
overall fire loss picture. This information can be used to evaluate progress
in wildland fire prevention. It also can help to determine the magnitude of
resources that should be devoted to fire protection and the cost
effectiveness of various programs.
This entry should be the most accurate estimate of acres burned that is
practical to obtain (one acre equals 43,560 square feet). Estimates based
on the use of accurately scaled maps, dot grids, planimeters, or other
accurate measuring methods are preferred. If less than one acre was
burned, the decimal point field should be used to denote tenths of an acre.
Block I4 collects information regarding up to
three types of crops that burned. List the
crop with the most acres burned first. If no
crops were burned, leave this block blank.
Information about what type of crops burned
in the fire is useful in tracking trends and
patterns in wildland fires and planning
prevention strategies.
SM 8-20
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Section J: Property Management
This section provides for the
documentation of the principal
entity having responsibility for
maintenance or control of property
use where the fire originated. It
also allows for the reporting of the
percent of total acres burned for
each type of ownership involved.
The number of acres burned by
property ownership is of significant
value to local fire departments as
well as to State and Federal wildland
agencies. It provides a means to
determine the frequency and impact
of fire on property managers,
especially major holders of land
such as ranchers, lumber and paper
companies, agricultural producers,
and Federal and State governments. This information will help target fire
protection programs to entities having the greatest risk or loss potential.
This information also helps to identify the entity responsible for
reimbursing costs associated with fire suppression efforts.
Indicate the percent of the total acres burned for each type of ownership
involved, and then mark the appropriate box that describes the principal
entity that has responsibility for the property where the fire originated. If
a Federal agency has responsibility for the property, enter the five-digit
Federal Agency Code in the space provided. Mark "U" if undetermined.
SM 8-21
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
SM 8-22
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Activity 8.3
Property Ownership
Purpose
To determine how the following scenarios can be coded.
Directions
Determine how the examples below would be coded.
Scenario 1
The fire occurred on a privately owned and operated farm that is a "private tax-paying"
property and spread to property owned by the county. The county owned 70 percent of
the total acres burned.
Scenario 2
The fire occurred on property owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service (Region 02,
Forest 10), and spread to property owned by the State. Fifty percent of the fire was on
Federal property.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 8-23
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
SM 8-24
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Section K: NFDRS Fuel Model at Origin
This data element identifies the type of wildland fuel involved in a
wildland fire at the point of origin. Fuel models were devised as a means
of organizing information
about vegetative fuels for
use in the NFDRS to
predict fire danger. The
local forester should be
able
to
assist
in
identifying
the
fuel
models in your area.
The proper entry in this field is the two-digit code and descriptor that
corresponds to the NFDRS fuel model that best identifies the type of wildland vegetation burned at the point of origin.
Section L: Person Responsible for Fire, Gender of Person
Involved, Age or Date of Birth, and Activity of Person
Block
L1
documents
whether a person was
responsible for the fire and
documents whether or not
that person was identified.
If the person was identified,
the rest of Section L should
be completed.
SM 8-25
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
If the person responsible for causing the fire is known, identifying
information about the person can be entered in Block K1 of the Basic
Module or the Supplemental Module.
Information on the gender of persons
involved--entered in block L2--can be
used with other demographic information
to identify fire problems in certain
segments of the population and to target
fire prevention and fire safety programs.
Block L3 records the age or date of
birth for the person identified as
being responsible for the fire
whether the cause was accidental or
intentional.
This information can be used with gender and other demographic data to
identify fire problems in certain segments of the population and to target
fire prevention and fire safety programs. This data element is particularly
useful in tracking juvenile firesetter trends when "Age was a Factor" (if
noted in D2) and gender (L2) are considered.
The entry in block L4 describes the primary activity of the person believed
to have caused the fire. Prevention programs and strategy development on
wildland fires are of utmost importance in continuing education on fire
behavior. Collecting information on the primary activity of the person
involved will assist in developing programs that best address the fire
prevention needs of each activity.
Section M: Right of Way
Right of Way refers to the
horizontal distance of fire origin
point from the edge of the traveled
surface of a road or the nearest
outside rail of a railroad right-ofway, or from the nearest power line
or power transmission equipment of a utility right-of-way.
SM 8-26
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
This section is completed only for fires starting on or near (within 99
feet) road, railroad, or power line rights-of-way.
This section contains two fields. In one, the actual measured or estimated
horizontal distance (to the nearest foot up to 99 feet) of the point of fire
origin from the right-of-way is entered. A description of the type of rightof-way near or on which the fire started is recorded in the second field.
Aggregate data about horizontal distances from rights-of-way provide
information necessary to assess the risks of certain hazards and to develop
hazard reduction strategies such as regulations for controlling combustible
fuels along roads and other rights-of-way.
Section N: Fire Behavior
This
section
allows
for
the
documentation of the topographical
features and fire characteristics that
contributed to the fire behavior.
Information about fire behavior is used
in fire modeling to assess the potential
for fire ignition and rate of spread for
different
fuels
under
various
conditions.
These optional descriptors refer to
observations made at the point of
initial attack.
Use of these
descriptors most likely will be
limited to wildland-fire management
agencies that are trained in making
these observations.
The Elevation field is used to record the numeric representation of the
height above mean sea level, measured in feet.
The Relative Position on Slope field indicates the relative position of the
fire on a slope. It can be coded as follows:
0 Valley Bottom
1 Lower Slope
2 Mid Slope
3 Upper Slope
4 Ridge Top
SM 8-27
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
The Aspect field is the direction that the slope faces. The choices for
coding this observation are as follows:
0 Flat/None
1 Northeast
2 East
3 Southeast
4 South
5 Southwest
6 West
7 Northwest
8 North
The Flame Length refers to the distance between the flame tip and the
midpoint of the flame depth at the base of the flame (generally the ground
surface) measured in feet.
The "chains per hour" field is used to record the measurement of forwardspread rate of the fire front (a "chain" is equivalent to 66 feet or
approximately 1 foot per minute).
SM 8-28
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Activity 8.4
Completion of Wildland Fire Module
Purpose
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, complete the Wildland Fire Module.
Directions
1.
Work individually to complete the Wildland Fire Module, accurately describing
the hypothetical scenario.
2.
Allow 20 minutes to complete the module and be prepared to participate in the
class discussion.
Scenario
It is 1000 hours on Saturday, the 26th of June, 2004, when your Type 2 engine with three
personnel are dispatched to a reported brush fire threatening homes in Carlysle Canyon.
The location given was the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 34, Township 7N, Range
12W, San Bernardino (S.B.) Meridian. The weather at 1000 hours was 78° F, 29 percent
relative humidity, winds from the southwest at 6 mph and clear skies. Fuel moisture is
estimated at 9 percent. The area is in a drought with a fire danger rating of extreme.
The fire was started adjacent (approximately 10 feet) to a hiking trail in the canyon
bottom at an elevation of 1,250 feet. It is estimated at 2 acres in size when you arrive at
1040 hours. There is no vehicle access into the canyon. The fire is a slope-driven one,
with relatively slow spread (estimated at 127 chains per hour) with an average flame
length of 12 feet. The fuel bed is medium to heavy brush (Fuel Model F) with good
continuity. The canyon slope averages 50 percent.
Five homes are located at the top of the slope, accessible by a 20-foot-wide access road.
The homes are wood construction, about 2,500 to 3,000 square feet each. They are
located about one-fourth of a mile apart and there is minimal separation of brush from the
structures. On your arrival, the fire is on the lower, northwest side of the slope
approximately three-fourths of a mile away from the closest structure.
SM 8-29
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
In addition to your crew, four other Type 2 engines (each with a crew of three) from
your department were dispatched to the fire. A chief officer is responding, but will not
arrive until 1200 hours. Two Type 1 air tankers are available on request, both 20
minutes away. A reload, if needed, also will take 20 minutes. One air-attack supervisor
will respond, upon request, within 15 minutes.
You assume command and immediately call for another alarm (from surrounding fire
departments) with a minimum of five Type 2 engines. You also request two USFS Type
1 hand crews (18 members each), two Type I dozers, and ask for the immediate dispatch
of both Type 1 air tankers and the air-attack supervisor.
You suspect the fire will probably make several up-slope runs at structures. Structure
number 1 is in the path of least resistance, with a low survivability factor and a high risk
to firefighter safety. Structure number 2 has only a moderate survivability in this
situation, but also poses a high risk to firefighter safety. Apparatus and personnel are
prepositioned to protect the remaining structures (all structures have been evacuated).
By the time the fire was brought under control (confined) at 1800 hours, it had burned
300 acres and destroyed two structures. The estimated property loss was $300,000 of
which $50,000 was the contents of the two structures. There were no injuries or deaths
associated with the fire.
After the fire was out, you found that a 20-year-old male hiking with his girlfriend
started the fire when he carelessly discarded a cigarette into the dry brush. You
determine that the fire started 5 feet away from the hiking trail in the canyon bottom on
county open-space property. Approximately 70 percent of the acreage burned was
privately owned; the remainder belonged to the county.
You and your crew are the last to leave the scene at 0800 hours on Sunday, June 27th.
As Incident Commander, it is your responsibility to complete the incident report upon
your return to the station. You start by entering your FDID Number--TR100; State WI;
Name--Wayne County Fire Department; Station--106; and Incident Number--0005210.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
SM 8-30
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
SUMMARY
The "optional" Wildland Fire Module is used to document reportable
wildland fires. A reportable fire is generally any wildland fire involving
vegetative fuels that occurs in the wildland or urban/wildland interface
areas. This includes fires that threaten or consume structures.
It permits wildland fires to be profiled in depth for resource allocation,
incident management, and fire impact analysis. Aggregated data on wildland fires will provide information that can be used by policymakers for
developing codes and standards, zoning ordinances, and forest
management plans.
SM 8-31
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
SM 8-32
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 8-1
UNIT 8:
WILDLAND FIRE
MODULE-NFIRS 8
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 88-1
Slide 8-2
NFIRS 8-WILDLAND FIRE MODULE
8--WILDLAND
Slide 88-2
Slide 8-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Wildland
Fire Module is to be used.
• Given the scenario of a
hypothetical incident,
demonstrate how to complete
the Wildland Fire Module.
Slide 88-3
SM 8-33
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-4
PURPOSE OF THE WILDLAND
FIRE MODULE
• The purpose of the Wildland Fire
Module (NFIRS 8) is to document
reportable wildland fires.
• Any fire involving vegetative fuels that
occurs in the wildland or urban/wildland
urban/wildland
interface areas, including those fires
which threaten or consume structures.
Slide 88-4
Slide 8-5
USE OF THE WILDLAND FIRE
MODULE
The Wildland Fire Module is used
primarily instead of the Fire Module
(NFIRS 2) when Incident Type is
• Forest, woods, or wildland fire (141)
• Prescribed fire (632)
Slide 88-5
Slide 8-6
USE OF THE WILDLAND FIRE
MODULE (cont'd)
The Wildland Fire Module also may be used for
the following incident types:
• Vegetation fire, other (140)
• Brush, or brush and grass mixture fire (142)
• Grass fire (143)
• Special outside fire (160)
• Cultivated vegetation, crop fire, other (170)
Slide 88-6
SM 8-34
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-7
USE OF THE WILDLAND FIRE
MODULE (cont'd)
• Cultivated grain, crop fire (171)
• Cultivated orchard or vineyard fire
(172)
• Cultivated trees or nursery stock fire
(173)
• Unauthorized burning (561)
• Controlled burning, authorized (631)
Slide 88-7
Slide 8-8
Activity 8.1
Controlled Burning
versus
Prescribed Fire
Slide 88-8
Slide 8-9
A--HEADER
--HEADER INFORMATION
• Header information is repeated on all
modules.
• In an automated system, this
information is entered once and
imported into all modules.
Slide 88-9
SM 8-35
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-10
B--ALTERNATE
--ALTERNATE LOCATION
SPECIFICATION
• Is used in place of
Section B of the Basic
Module (NFIRS 1)
when traditional
addressing methods are
not suitable
• Documents the
geographical location
of the wildland fire
Slide 88-10
Slide 8-11
C--AREA
--AREA TYPE
• This is a general description of the area
where the wildland fire occurred.
• Provides for the documentation of fires
occurring in urban/wildland interface
areas.
Slide 88-11
Slide 8-12
D1--WILDLAND
--WILDLAND FIRE CAUSE
Identifies ignition
causes consistent
with the "General
Fire Causes"
adopted by the
National Wildfire
Coordinating Group
(NWCG)
Slide 88-12
SM 8-36
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-13
D2--HUMAN
--HUMAN FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO IGNITION
Reports human
factors that
contributed to the
ignition
Slide 88-13
Slide 8-14
D3--FACTORS
--FACTORS CONTRIBUTING
TO IGNITION
• The contributing factors that allowed the
heat source and combustible material to
combine to ignite the fire.
• Up to two factors that contributed to the
ignition of the wildland fire may be reported.
Slide 88-14
Slide 8-15
D4--FIRE SUPPRESSION FACTORS
Documents the
factors or
conditions that
affected fire
suppression efforts
or fire management
strategy
Slide 88-15
SM 8-37
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-16
Activity 8.2
Wildland Fire Supression
Factors
Slide 88-16
Slide 8-17
E--HEAT
--HEAT SOURCE
• The specific source of the heat that
started the fire.
• Example: A discarded cigarette (61)
ignited the brush, resulting in a wildland
fire.
Slide 88-17
Slide 8-18
F--MOBILE
--MOBILE PROPERTY TYPE
• Refers to property that is designed to be
mobile
• Used to document if mobile property
failed, was used improperly, or provided
the heat that caused ignition
Slide 88-18
SM 8-38
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-19
G--EQUIPMENT
--EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IN
IGNITION
Documents the equipment that
provided the principal heat source to
cause the ignition
Slide 88-19
Slide 8-20
H--WEATHER
--WEATHER INFORMATION
Descriptive
information regarding
weather conditions
that existed at the time
and location of the fire
origin
Slide 88-20
Slide 8-21
NATIONAL FIRE DANGER RATING
SYSTEM WEATHER STATION
IDENTIFICATION
Records the ID number for
the NFDRS Weather
Station that monitors
weather conditions at the
location of fire origin
(National Fire Danger Rating System)
Slide 88-21
SM 8-39
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-22
WEATHER TYPE
The general
description of
weather
conditions at the
time and location
of fire origin
Slide 88-22
Slide 8-23
WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED
The direction the
wind was blowing
and the speed of the
wind at the time
and location of fire
origin
Slide 88-23
Slide 8-24
TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE
HUMIDITY
Records the
ambient air
temperature and
the relative
humidity at the
time of fire origin
Slide 88-24
SM 8-40
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-25
FUEL MOISTURE
The 1010-hour
reading of the
moisture content
of a fuel stick
taken in the
general area of the
fire origin
Slide 88-25
Slide 8-26
FIRE DANGER RATING
(National Fire Danger Rating System)
Refers to one
method of
describing the
wildfire threat in
a particular
area, based on
the NFDRS
Slide 88-26
Slide 8-27
I1--NUMBER
--NUMBER OF BUILDINGS
IGNITED
Records the
number of
buildings, if any,
that were ignited
in the wildland
fire
Slide 88-27
SM 8-41
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-28
I2--NUMBER
--NUMBER OF BUILDINGS
THREATENED
Records the number of buildings, if any,
that were threatened, but not involved
in the wildland fire
Slide 88-28
Slide 8-29
I3--TOTAL
--TOTAL ACRES BURNED
Records the estimated number of total
acres burned by a wildfire
Slide 88-29
Slide 8-30
I4--PRIMARY
--PRIMARY CROPS BURNED
• Identifies up to three
types of crops that
burned.
• The crop with the
most acres burned
should be listed first.
Slide 88-30
SM 8-42
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-31
J--PROPERTY
--PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
The percentage of total
acres burned for each
type of ownership
involved and the entity
having responsibility for
the property where the
fire originated
Slide 88-31
Slide 8-32
Activity 8.3
Property Ownership
Slide 88-32
Slide 8-33
K--NFDRS
--NFDRS FUEL MODEL AT ORIGIN
Identifies the NFDRS fuel model that best
describes the type of vegetation burned at
the point of origin
Slide 88-33
SM 8-43
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-34
L1--PERSON
--PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR
FIRE
Identifies whether or not a person
(known or unknown) was responsible
for the fire
Slide 88-34
Slide 8-35
L2--GENDER
--GENDER OF PERSON
INVOLVED
Identifies the gender of the person
responsible for causing the fire
Slide 88-35
Slide 8-36
L3--AGE
--AGE OR DATE OF BIRTH
OF PERSON RESPONSIBLE
Identifies the age or date of birth of
the person responsible for causing the
fire
Slide 88-36
SM 8-44
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-37
L4--ACTIVITY
--ACTIVITY OF PERSON
INVOLVED
Describes the primary activity of the
person responsible for causing the fire
Slide 88-37
Slide 8-38
M--RIGHT
--RIGHT OF WAY
• The horizontal distance of the point of fire
origin from the rightright-ofof-way and the
description of the rightright-ofof-way
• Used only for fires started on or near a rightrightofof-way
Slide 88-38
Slide 8-39
N--FIRE
--FIRE BEHAVIOR
These optional
descriptors refer to
observations made
at the point of
initial attack.
Slide 88-39
SM 8-45
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-40
ELEVATION
The distance from
sea level to the
wildland fire
Slide 88-40
Slide 8-41
RELATIVE POSITION ON
SLOPE
This observation
indicates the relative
position of the fire on
a slope at the time of
initial attack.
Slide 88-41
Slide 8-42
ASPECT
This observation
indicates the
general direction
that a given slope
faces.
Slide 88-42
SM 8-46
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-43
FLAME LENGTH
The distance
between the flame
tip and the
midpoint of the
flame depth at the
base of the flame
Slide 88-43
Slide 8-44
RATE OF SPREAD
This is a
measurement of the
approximate rate of
forward spread of a
fire front, expressed
in chains per hour.
(chain = 66 feet)
Slide 88-44
Slide 8-45
Activity 8.4
Completion of Wildland Fire
Module
Slide 88-45
SM 8-47
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE--NFIRS 8
Slide 8-46
SUMMARY
The "optional" Wildland Fire Module (NFIRS 8) is
used to document reportable wildland fires.
• Any fire involving vegetative fuels that occurs in
the wildland or urban/wildland
urban/wildland interface areas.
• Includes those fires which threaten or consume
structures.
The Wildland Fire Module permits wildland fires to
be profiled in depth for resource allocation, incident
management, and fire impact analysis.
Slide 88-46
Slide 8-47
QUESTIONS?
Slide 88-47
SM 8-48
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 9:
APPARATUS/RESOURCES
MODULE--NFIRS 9
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Apparatus/Resources Module can be used.
2.
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, demonstrate how to complete the
Apparatus/Resources Module.
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
SM 9-2
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
The Apparatus/Resources Module is used as a local option to identify the
apparatus and personnel sent to an incident. When this module is used, it
is not necessary to complete the Personnel Module.
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of an
incident report. In an automated system, it is intended that a data element
be entered one time and automatically populate all fields where that
information is required.
Section B: Apparatus or Resource, Dates and Times, Sent,
Number of People, Use, and Actions Taken
On the paper form, there are enough fields in this section to record an
identification and type for nine pieces of apparatus. If more apparatus
responded to an incident, more sheets can be used. Document all
apparatus that were used to control the incident.
The ID field is a five-character field. This field
is set up by the local agency. Apparatus Type
field definitions can be found in the bottom
section of the module labeled Type of
Apparatus or Resource. Types are grouped into
the following categories:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ground Fire Suppression;
Heavy Ground Equipment;
Aircraft;
Marine Equipment;
Support Equipment; or
Medical & Rescue.
SM 9-3
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
Dates and Times
Lines are provided to indicate
dates
and
times
for
"Dispatch," "Arrival," and
"Clear." Hours and minutes
for all times are recorded in
24-hour time (midnight is
0000).
If the date for any of the times being documented is the same as the alarm
date, a box can be marked.
Sent
On the sheet, a box is available to indicate whether or not the
unit actually responded to the incident. If it did, the box is
marked. If the unit was held in quarters, the box is left blank.
This box is not necessary in an automated system.
Number of People
The total number of people who responded on the specific
piece of apparatus is recorded on the line provided.
Use
Three choices are offered in this section to clarify
the main use of each piece of apparatus at the
incident. Only one box is marked for each one.
Actions Taken
Codes taken from Section F of the Basic Module are
entered to describe actions taken by firefighters. Up
to four actions can be recorded for each piece of
apparatus.
SM 9-4
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
Activity 9.1
Completion of Apparatus/Resources Module
Purpose
To complete the Apparatus/Resources Module given the scenario of a hypothetical
incident.
Directions
1.
Work with your small group to complete the Apparatus/Resources Module that
accurately describes the scenario.
2.
Allow 10 minutes to complete the module and be prepared to participate in the
class discussion.
Scenario
Engine 422 (three firefighters and one captain), Engine 425 (two firefighters and one
lieutenant), Truck 42 (three firefighters and one captain), and a deputy chief respond to a
structure fire at 1326 Market Street. The dispatch time for all units is 0240 on October
12, 2004. Incident Number 0000001 is assigned.
Engine 422 arrives on location at 0241 hours, advances one 1-3/4-inch hoseline to the
first floor, and attacks the fire. The crew also searches for victims.
Deputy Chief Farley arrives at 0242 and establishes command.
The truck company splits into two crews upon their arrival at 0243. One crew performs
search and rescue and the other, ventilation. After the fire is knocked down, the
company performs salvage and overhaul.
Engine 425, a 0244 arrival, takes a hydrant and supplies Engine 422. They then advance
a backup line to the second floor and extinguish the fire that extended to the bedroom.
Engine 422 cleared the scene at 0300 and was available for duty at 0325. Truck 42 was
cleared at 0320 and available at 0345. Deputy Chief Farley cleared at 0325 and was
available at 0326. Engine 425 cleared the scene at 0350 and was available at 0410.
SM 9-5
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
Notes on Activity Debriefing
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
SM 9-6
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
SUMMARY
The Apparatus/Resources Module is used as a local option to identify the
apparatus and personnel sent to an incident. If this module is used, it is
not necessary to use the Personnel Module.
On the paper form, lines are available to document nine pieces of
apparatus, and additional sheets can be used. This will document all
apparatus that were used to control the incident.
SM 9-7
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
SM 9-8
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 9-1
UNIT 9:
APPARATUS/RESOURCES
MODULE-NFIRS 9
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 99-1
Slide 9-2
NFIRS 9-APPARATUS/
9--APPARATUS/
RESOURCES MODULE
Slide 99-2
Slide 9-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Apparatus/
Resources Module can be used.
• Given the scenario of a hypothetical
incident, demonstrate how to
complete the Apparatus/Resources
Module.
Slide 99-3
SM 9-9
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
Slide 9-4
APPARATUS/RESOURCES
MODULE
• Used as a local option to identify the
apparatus and number of personnel
sent to an incident
• Allows multiple actions taken for
each apparatus
Slide 99-4
Slide 9-5
A--HEADER
--HEADER
• Header information is repeated on all
modules.
• In an automated system, this information
is entered once and imported into all
modules.
Slide 99-5
Slide 9-6
B--APPARATUS
--APPARATUS TYPE
AND ID
Records the:
• Identification and type of
apparatus used at an
incident.
• Codes for "Type of
Apparatus" are found in
the Handbook or Quick
Reference Guide (QRG).
Slide 99-6
SM 9-10
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
Slide 9-7
B--DATES
--DATES AND TIMES
Documents "Dispatch," "Arrival," and
"Clear" dates and times for each
apparatus
Slide 99-7
Slide 9-8
B--APPARATUS
--APPARATUS SENT
Indicates which apparatus were
sent on the incident.
• Fire departments can prepreprint or prepre-enter apparatus
in this module.
• The "Sent" box will be
checked to indicate which
apparatus actually responded.
Slide 99-8
Slide 9-9
B--NUMBER
--NUMBER OF PEOPLE
AND USE
• Records the total number
of personnel responding
on the specific piece of
apparatus
• Describes the apparatus
or resource's main use at
the incident
Slide 99-9
SM 9-11
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
Slide 9-10
B--ACTIONS
--ACTIONS TAKEN
• Records up to four actions
taken by the specific piece of
apparatus at the scene of the
incident.
• Actions may include
extinguishing fires, forcible
entry, providing first aid,
identifying and analyzing
hazardous materials,
transporting the injured, and
others.
Slide 99-10
Slide 9-11
Activity 9.1
Completion of
Apparatus/Resources
Module
Slide 99-11
Slide 9-12
SUMMARY
• The Apparatus/Resources Module is
used as a local option to identify the
apparatus and number of personnel
sent to an incident.
• The system accepts all apparatus used
to control the incident.
Slide 99-12
SM 9-12
APPARATUS/RESOURCES MODULE--NFIRS 9
Slide 9-13
QUESTIONS?
Slide 99-13
SM 9-13
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 10:
PERSONNEL MODULE-NFIRS 10
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Personnel Module can be used.
2.
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, demonstrate how to complete the Personnel Module.
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
SM 10-2
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
The Personnel Module also is used as a local option. If a Personnel
Module is completed for each apparatus sent to the scene, it is not
necessary to complete a separate Apparatus/Resources Module.
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of
the incident. In an automated system, it is intended that a data element be
entered one time and automatically populate all fields where that
information is required.
Section B: Apparatus or Resources, Dates and Times, Sent,
Use, and Actions Taken
On the sheet, information regarding up to three pieces of apparatus can be
recorded on one form. If more apparatus responded to an incident, more
sheets can be used. The ID type fields are recorded on the first two lines.
Codes for the apparatus type can be found in the Handbook or the Quick
Reference Guide (QRG).
Dates and Times
Lines are provided to indicate
dates
and
times
for
"Dispatch," "Arrival," and
"Clear." Hours and minutes
for all times are recorded in
24-hour time (midnight is
0000).
If the date for any of the times being documented is the same as the alarm
date, a box can be marked.
SM 10-3
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
Sent
On the sheet, a box is available to indicate whether or not the
unit actually responded to the incident. If it did, the box is
marked. If the unit was held in quarters, the box is left blank.
This box is not necessary in an automated system.
Number of People
The total number of people who responded on the specific
piece of apparatus is recorded on the line provided.
Use
Three choices are offered in this section to clarify
the main use of each piece of apparatus at the
incident. Only one box is marked for each one.
Actions Taken
Codes taken from Section F of the Basic Module are
entered to describe actions taken by firefighters. Up
to four actions can be recorded for each piece of
apparatus.
Personnel ID
This identification is set by the fire
department. In some cases, departments use
the individual's Social Security number.
Name
At least the last name of each
should be entered on this line. If
one department member has the
name, a first name or initial
identifier could be used.
SM 10-4
individual
more than
same last
or other
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
Rank or Grade
A line is provided to note each individual's rank or grade
briefly.
Attend
On the sheet, the box should be marked if the individual
responded to the incident. This box is not necessary in an
automated system.
Action Taken
For each individual, up to four actions taken can be documented. Codes
should correspond with those entered on Lines F of the Basic Module and
are found in the Handbook or the QRG.
SM 10-5
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
SM 10-6
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
Activity 10.1
Completion of Personnel Module
Purpose
To complete the Personnel Module, given the scenario of a hypothetical incident.
Directions
1.
Work individually to complete a Personnel Module that accurately describes the
scenario.
2.
Allow 10 minutes to complete the module and be prepared to participate in the
class discussion.
Scenario
Your fire department provides mutual aid to FDID 45678 (their incident number 322).
The dispatch time for all your units is 1345 on October 12, 2004. Incident Number
0000002 is assigned. Your resources are listed below.
Engine 422 (driven and operated by Firefighter Eddie Day, #201) arrives at 1347 hours to
a structure fire at 8503 Spring Drive, Chesterfield, VA 23235. Captain Bill Britt (#111),
Firefighter Thomas Miller (#212), and Probationary Firefighter Russ Lunsford (#909)
advance one 1-3/4-inch line to the first floor. The crew also conducted a search for
victims.
Deputy Chief Rich DeVos (#007) arrives on scene at 1349 hours and assists with incident
command.
Medic 1 (driven and operated by Firefighter/First Responder Danny Felty, #250) arrives
on scene at 1350 hours. Paramedic Mark Thornton (#175) finds the homeowner in the
front yard suffering from smoke inhalation and administers oxygen. Firefighter Felty
treats a child for a cut received while escaping the structure.
Truck 1 arrives at 1351 hours. Captain Don Brown (#112) and Firefighter Reginald
Wolfrey (#219) conduct a search of the second floor while Firefighter Roxanne Jefferson
(#230) and Firefighter Wayne Driver (#244) perform ventilation. After the fire is
knocked down, the whole crew performs salvage and overhaul.
Engine 422 cleared the scene at 1431 and was available for duty at 1445. Truck 1 was
clear at 1450 and available at 1510. Deputy Chief DeVos cleared at 1500 and was
available at 1501. Medic 1 was clear of the scene at 1510 and available at 1540.
SM 10-7
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
Notes On Activity Debriefing
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SM 10-8
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
SUMMARY
The Personnel Module is used as a local option to document personnel and
apparatus information for individual incidents. If a Personnel Module is
completed for each apparatus sent to the scene, it is not necessary to
complete the Apparatus/Resources Module.
SM 10-9
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
SM 10-10
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 10-1
UNIT 10:
PERSONNEL MODULE-MODULE-NFIRS 10
Slide 1010-1
Slide 10-2
NFIRS 10-PERSONNEL
10--PERSONNEL
MODULE
Slide 1010-2
Slide 10-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Personnel
Module can be used.
• Given the scenario of a
hypothetical incident, demonstrate
how to complete the Personnel
Module.
Slide 1010-3
SM 10-11
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
Slide 10-4
PERSONNEL MODULE
• Used as a local option to help manage and
track personnel and resources used on
incidents
• Can be used in place of the Apparatus
and Resource Module (NFIRS(NFIRS-9) if more
detail on personnel is needed
Slide 1010-4
Slide 10-5
A--HEADER
--HEADER
• Header information is repeated on all
modules.
• In an automated system, this
information is entered once and
imported into all modules.
Slide 1010-5
Slide 10-6
B--APPARATUS
--APPARATUS
INFORMATION
Same as covered in Apparatus Module
Slide 1010-6
SM 10-12
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
Slide 10-7
B--PERSONNEL
--PERSONNEL ID, NAME,
AND RANK OR GRADE
• Identifies personnel on specific pieces of
apparatus and their level of
responsibility (rank).
• The ID number is often the Social
Security number, but may be any
combination of letters and numbers up
to 9 characters.
Slide 1010-7
Slide 10-8
B--ATTEND
--ATTEND
• Indicates which personnel were
on the apparatus sent to the
incident.
• Fire departments can preprint or
prepre-enter the names of personnel
in this module.
• The "Attend" box will be
checked to indicate which
personnel on the apparatus
actually responded.
Slide 1010-8
Slide 10-9
B--ACTION
--ACTION TAKEN
Documents up to four actions taken by the
individual responder at the scene of the
incident
Slide 1010-9
SM 10-13
PERSONNEL MODULE--NFIRS 10
Slide 10-10
Activity 10.1
Completion of Personnel
Module
Slide 1010-10
Slide 10-11
SUMMARY
• Personnel Module is used as a local option
to record personnel and apparatus
information for individual incidents.
• If this module is used, it is not necessary to
use the Apparatus/Resources Module.
• Documents the staffing of apparatus and
the actions taken by personnel and
apparatus on the incident scene.
Slide 1010-11
Slide 10-12
QUESTIONS?
Slide 1010-12
SM 10-14
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 11:
ARSON AND JUVENILE
FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe when the Arson Module is to be used.
2.
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, demonstrate how to complete the Arson Module.
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
SM 11-2
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
ARSON MODULE--NFIRS 11
An indispensable tool in the war against arson is the ability to identify
when and where the crime takes place, what form it takes, and the
characteristics of its targets and perpetrators.
Armed with such
information, fire service and law enforcement agencies can develop and
implement arson prevention initiatives--allowing them to use their
resources in the most efficient and effective manner. The NFIRS 11
Arson Module was developed with this goal in mind.
The Arson Module may be used whenever the Cause of Ignition (NFIRS 2
E1), is coded as "intentional," or as "under investigation" without any
distinction made as to whether or not a crime has occurred, or a
determination of criminal intent. The Arson Module also may be used in
cases where the cause is "undetermined after investigation."
The Arson Module also may be used to document juvenile-set fires,
whether determined to be intentional or not. This information will permit
analysis of juvenile firesetting trends, including intervention strategies and
repeated activity.
Arson--to unlawfully and intentionally damage, or attempt to damage,
any real or personal property by fire or incendiary device.
Nothing in this definition is meant to alter or affect compliance with State
or local incident reporting requirements. In States with mandatory
reporting, the State Program Manager determines which optional modules
(EMS, HazMat, Wildland, Arson, etc.) are to be submitted to the State.
SM 11-3
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
The Arson Module consists of two parts: a local investigation module that
permits a fire department or arson investigation unit to document certain
details concerning the incident; and a juvenile firesetter section that
identifies key items of information that could be used for local, State, and
national intervention programs.
Many arson investigation units use an "arson information management
system" to collect and compile information on arson incidents. This
module is not intended to replace such systems, but rather to identify those
data elements that could be exported to the NFIRS system and included as
an integral part of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) National Fire
Database and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF), Arson and Explosives National Repository.
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of an
incident. In an automated system, it is intended that a data element be
entered one time and automatically populate all fields where that
information is required.
Section B: Agency Referred To
This section identifies the agency, if any, that the incident was referred to
for followup investigation. This might be a law enforcement agency that
has jurisdiction for a criminal investigation or another fire department that
may have been requested to conduct the investigation
This information provides the details necessary to contact the agency that
conducted any followup of the incident. It also allows for the collection,
compilation, and analysis of all data associated with a specific incident.
SM 11-4
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
ORI is the unique identification number assigned to law enforcement
agencies (towns, cities, counties, State police agencies, and some
colleges and universities) participating in the FBI's Uniform Crime
Reporting (UCR) system or the National Incident-Based Reporting
System (NIBRS).
FID is a two-character identification number used by Federal
departments to submit crime data to UCR/NIBRS gathered by its
dependent bureau/agencies. The ORI plus the FID and the incident
number provide the necessary uniqueness to avoid the duplication of
reported incidents.
Section C: Case Status
Identifies the status of the investigation at the time the report was filed.
This information is useful in tracking the closure rate of investigation as
well as providing information to other agencies concerning the status of
cases that may be linked to cases they are investigating.
Section D: Availability of Material First Ignited
This section identifies the availability of
an ignition source (including matches and
lighters) to the subject. This information
permits analysis of firesetting methods
and trends and can assist in the
development of prevention and intervention strategies.
SM 11-5
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Section E: Suspected Motivation Factors
This section identifies the suspected stimulus that caused the subject(s) to
burn, or attempt to burn, any real or personal property. This permits
analysis of arson trends based on the possible motivation for the crime.
You may select up to three factors
Section F: Apparent Group Involvement
This section identifies whether the
suspect(s) were motivated to
commit the arson act because of
involvement in a larger group or
organization or as a means to
promote the cause of a larger
group or organization.
This information will permit analysis of arson trends based on
participation in criminal groups or organizations. You may add up to
three factors.
Section G: Entry Method/Extent of Fire Involvement on Arrival
Block G1 indicates how the
offender(s) gained entrance to the
property. This provides additional
information on the case and tracks
common methods of entry for later
analysis and linking of cases.
SM 11-6
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Block G2 documents the fire
department's observation of the extent
of the fire's involvement when it
arrived at the incident scene.
This provides information about the
speed and the pattern of flame spread
that is helpful to case investigators.
Section H: Incendiary Devices
This section documents the container, ignition and delay devices, and the
fuel used to burn or attempt to burn any real or personal property.
This provides additional details on the
case
and
tracks
common containers and
devices
for
later
analysis and linking of
cases.
This section is divided into three categories: container, ignition/delay
device, and fuel. One item should be selected from each category.
Section I: Other Investigative Information
This
section
collects
other
useful
investigative information pertinent to the
case, such as code violations, whether the
property was vacant or for sale, changes in
insurance, etc. Tracking of these possible
indicators of arson will be helpful for later
analysis and linking of cases.
SM 11-7
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Section J: Property Ownership
This section provides for the documentation
of the ownership of the property involved in
the arson.
Section K: Initial Observations
Identifies important initial observations made at the incident scene relating
to the property's secure status or circumvention of the security systems if
present. Mark all appropriate boxes.
Section L: Laboratory Used
This section identifies the laboratory(ies), if any, that conducted analysis
of evidence. This information is helpful in the collection and analysis of
all data associated with a specific incident. Mark all appropriate boxes.
JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE: NFIRS 11
This module may be used to document
information concerning juvenile-set fires,
whether determined to be intentional or not.
This information will permit analysis of
juvenile
firesetting
trends,
including
intervention strategies and recidivism.
SM 11-8
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
This module is completed only for fires where the person(s) involved
in the ignition of the fire was a child or juvenile under the age of 18.
Section A: Fire Department Identifier, State, Incident Date,
Station, Incident Number, Exposure
This information is consistent with the Basic Module and can be used to
recall the incident from the computer program or to print a hard copy of an
incident. In an automated system, it is intended that a data element be
entered one time and automatically populate all fields where that
information is required.
Section M: Subject Information
If more than one subject is involved in the fire's ignition, this section
should be completed for each subject under age 18.
Block M1: Subject Number
Block M1 is used is used to assign a number to each
juvenile subject under the age of 18 involved in the
fire's ignition. The purpose of this field is to allow
tracking of any subject less than 18 years of age and
analysis and tracking of juvenile firesetter trends.
Block M2: Age or Date of Birth
Block M2 documents the age of the
subject in years at the time of the incident,
or the date of birth. This information can
be used with other demographic
information to identify arson problems in
certain segments of the population and to
target arson prevention programs for
certain audiences. This data element is
particularly useful in tracking juvenile
firesetter trends.
SM 11-9
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Block M3: Gender
Block M3 identifies the gender of the
subject. The identification of the subject
as male or female can be used with other
demographic information to identify arson
problems in certain segments of the
population and to target arson prevention
programs for certain audiences.
Block M4: Race
Block M4 identifies the subject as a certain race
based on U.S. Census Bureau categories. This
information can be used with other demographic
information to identify arson problems in certain
segments of the population and to target arson
prevention programs for certain audiences.
Block M5: Ethnicity
Block M5 identifies the ethnicity of the subject.
Ethnicity is an ethnic classification or affiliation.
"Hispanic" is the only U.S. Census Bureau ethnic
classification.
Ethnicity--Designation of a population subgroup that has common
cultural heritage, as distinguished by customs, characteristics, language,
common history, etc.
This information can be used with other demographic information to
identify arson problems in certain segments of the population and to target
arson prevention programs for certain audiences.
SM 11-10
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Block M6: Family Type
Block M6 describes the subject's family type.
Information on family type will assist
researchers in determining those risk factors
that may be a predictor of juvenile firesetting,
delinquency, and adult arson.
Block M7: Motivation/Risk Factors
Block M7 documents the
stimulus and/or risk factors
that were present and constituted
a
possible
motivation
for
the
subject(s) to burn, or
attempt to burn, any real or
personal property.
The risk factors listed are those that research has showed to be predictors
of juvenile firesetting, delinquency, and adult arson. However, data on
juvenile firesetters are extremely limited and this information will be
useful in determining if these risk factors are valid or if others are more
predictive. This information also will be helpful in tracking juvenile
firesetting trends and in the development of prevention and intervention
strategies.
Of the motivation and risk factors listed, only one should be selected
concerning "curiosity about fire" (codes 1-3). All other motivation and
risk factors that apply then should be selected.
SM 11-11
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Curiosity about fire. To assist the company officer in documenting this
section, the following guidance is suggested.
How many other times has this child played with fire, including matches
or lighters, or set something on fire?
•
•
•
one other time (two total incidents) = mild curiosity about fire;
two to three other times (three to four total incidents) = moderate
curiosity about fire; and
four or more other times (five or more total incidents = extreme
curiosity about fire.
Block M8: Disposition
Block M8 identifies the disposition of any subject less than 18 years of
age. This data element permits analysis of how juvenile offenders are
handled and is particularly useful in tracking juvenile firesetter trends. At
the local level, this field also is useful in determining to whom repeat
offenders have been turned over.
Section N: Remarks
The supplemental "Remarks" section on paper forms is an additional area
for comments concerning this module.
SM 11-12
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Activity 11.1
Completion of Arson Module
Purpose
Given the scenario of a hypothetical incident, to complete the Arson Module and other
appropriate NFIRS modules.
Directions
1.
Work individually to complete the Arson Module, accurately describing the
hypothetical scenario.
2.
Allow 15 minutes to complete the module and be prepared to participate in the
class discussion.
Scenario
It is 1000 hours on Saturday, the 9th of October, 2004, when your engine with four
personnel is dispatched to a fire reported "out" in a residence at 400 Liberty Way,
Raleigh, NC 27610. Upon arrival, at 1003 hours and Incident # 4444, you find a mattress
smoldering on the curb. You also note a Caucasian woman in her midthirties on the front
lawn, apparently scolding a young boy.
The woman (owner) approaches you and identifies herself as Susan Morash. She tells
you that her 10-year-old son, Stephen, was "playing with matches" in his bedroom, and
caught his mattress on fire. She was able to extinguish the fire with a bucket of water,
and her neighbors helped her pull the mattress out to the curb, but the bedroom still
smells of smoke. Damage was minor--$200 to the mattress and $1,000 smoke damage to
the structure.
Ms. Morash is the owner of the 1,200-square-foot rancher. Her telephone number is
(777) 888-9999. She was alerted when the battery-powered smoke alarm activated.
You send the crew in to investigate, check for extension, and ventilate the room, while
you continue to interview the mother. Ms. Morash tells you that "little Stevie" has been a
lot of trouble ever since his father disappeared. She confides in you that his father has
not been seen or heard from in 3 years. She says Stevie recently was diagnosed as
ADHD and has been in trouble for shoplifting, but that he has never started a fire
deliberately. According to Ms. Morash, her son recently exhibited some curiosity about
fire, but she was quick to point out that this fire was an "accident," as was the fire he
started in the bushes last week. The field fire last month, relates Ms. Morash, "was
Bobby's fault, not Steve's."
SM 11-13
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
You obtain permission from Ms. Morash to talk with Stephen. He tells you that he was
"bored" and "playing with matches" when he burned one of his fingers and dropped the
match on the mattress. Stephen admits having set two or three other fires, but says they
were all "accidents."
Upon return of your crew, they advise of no fire extension, but they found some evidence
of a previous fire in the closet. They also report finding a lighter next to the bedframe
and box springs. You note that the mattress appears to have been ignited by direct flame
contact on the side, which would not be consistent with "dropping a match" on it.
You advise Ms. Morash of your findings and that a public education officer would be
calling her to discuss the department's juvenile firesetter intervention program. She does
not argue, but instead nods in seeming agreement. The unit cleared the scene at 1030
hours.
Upon your return to quarters, you call the fire prevention bureau and refer "little Stevie
Morash" to the public education officer on duty.
Notes on Activity Debriefing
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SM 11-14
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
SUMMARY
The Arson Module may be used whenever the Cause of Ignition (NFIRS 2
E1) is coded as "intentional," or as "under investigation" without any
distinction made as to whether or not a crime has occurred, or a
determination of criminal intent. The Arson Module also may be used in
cases where the cause is "undetermined after investigation."
The Arson Module also may be used to document juvenile-set fires,
whether determined to be intentional or not. This information will permit
analysis of juvenile firesetting trends, including intervention strategies and
repeated activity.
SM 11-15
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 11-1
UNIT 11:
ARSON AND JUVENILE
FIRESETTER
MODULE-NFIRS 11
MODULE--NFIRS
Slide 1111-1
Slide 11-2
NFIRS 11-ARSON AND JUVENILE
11--ARSON
FIRESETTER MODULE
Slide 1111-2
Slide 11-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe when the Arson Module is
to be used.
• Given the scenario of a hypothetical
incident, demonstrate how to
complete the Arson Module.
Slide 1111-3
SM 11-16
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-4
USE OF ARSON MODULE
• The Arson Module may be used
whenever the Cause of Ignition in the
Fire Module is coded as "intentional"
or "under investigation."
• No determination must be made as to
criminal intent or whether or not a
crime has occurred.
Slide 1111-4
Slide 11-5
ADDITIONAL USES OF
ARSON MODULE
The Arson Module also may be used
• When the fire is under investigation,
or in cases where the cause is
"undetermined after investigation."
• To document juvenilejuvenile-set fires,
whether determined to be
intentional or not.
Slide 1111-5
Slide 11-6
ARSON DEFINED
"To unlawfully and intentionally
damage, or attempt to damage,
any real or personal property by
fire or incendiary device"
Slide 1111-6
SM 11-17
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-7
A--HEADER
--HEADER INFORMATION
• Header information is repeated on
all modules.
• In an automated system, this
information is entered once and
imported into all modules.
Slide 1111-7
Slide 11-8
B--AGENCY
--AGENCY REFERRED TO
Identifies the agency, if any, the
incident was referred to for
followup investigation
Slide 1111-8
Slide 11-9
DEFINITIONS
ORI is the unique identification number
assigned to law enforcement agencies
participating in the FBI's Uniform Crime
Reporting (UCR) system or the National
IncidentIncident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
Slide 1111-9
SM 11-18
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-10
DEFINITIONS (cont'd)
• FID is a twotwo-character identification
number used by departments to submit
crime data to UCR/NIBRS gathered by its
dependent bureau/agencies.
• The ORI plus the FID and the incident
number provide the necessary uniqueness
to avoid the duplication of reported
incidents.
Slide 1111-10
Slide 11-11
C--CASE
--CASE STATUS
Identifies the status of the
investigation at the time the report
was filed
Slide 1111-11
Slide 11-12
D--AVAILABILITY
--AVAILABILITY OF
MATERIAL FIRST IGNITED
Identifies the availability to the
subject of the material first ignited
Slide 1111-12
SM 11-19
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-13
E--SUSPECTED
--SUSPECTED MOTIVATION
FACTORS
• Indicates the suspected factors that
caused the subject(s) to burn, or
attempt to burn
• Record up to three factors
Slide 1111-13
Slide 11-14
F--APPARENT
--APPARENT GROUP
INVOLVEMENT
Indicates whether the
suspect(s) was motivated
to commit the arson act
because of involvement
in a group or as a means
to promote the cause of
a group
Slide 1111-14
Slide 11-15
G1--ENTRY
--ENTRY METHOD
Indicates how the offender(s) gained
access to the property
Slide 1111-15
SM 11-20
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-16
G2--EXTENT
--EXTENT OF FIRE
INVOLVEMENT ON ARRIVAL
Indicates the fire department's
observation of the extent of the fire's
involvement upon arrival
Slide 1111-16
Slide 11-17
H--INCENDIARY
--INCENDIARY DEVICES
Identifies the
components,
methods, and/or
devices that were
used in the
incident (if any)
Slide 1111-17
Slide 11-18
I--OTHER
--OTHER INVESTIGATIVE
INFORMATION
Identifies other
investigative
information
pertinent to the
case
Slide 1111-18
SM 11-21
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-19
J--PROPERTY
--PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
Identifies the
ownership of
the property
involved in the
arson
Slide 1111-19
Slide 11-20
K--INITIAL
--INITIAL OBSERVATIONS
• Identifies important initial observations made
at the incident scene
• Provides useful information relating to the
property's security status and circumvention
of security systems
Slide 1111-20
Slide 11-21
L--LABORATORY
--LABORATORY USED
• Identifies the laboratory(ies),
laboratory(ies), if any, that
conducted analysis of evidence
• Provides the means for the collection
and analysis of laboratory data
associated with a specific incident
Slide 1111-21
SM 11-22
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-22
NFIRS 11-JUVENILE
11--JUVENILE
FIRESETTER MODULE
Blocks M1 to M8 are
optional fields to be used
if the person(s) involved
in the ignition of the fire
was a juvenile under the
age of 18.
Slide 1111-22
Slide 11-23
A--HEADER
--HEADER INFORMATION
• Header information is repeated on
all modules.
• In an automated system, this
information is entered once and
imported into all modules.
Slide 1111-23
Slide 11-24
M1--SUBJECT
--SUBJECT NUMBER
A number
assigned to each
juvenile subject
involved in the
fire's ignition
Slide 1111-24
SM 11-23
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-25
M2--AGE
--AGE OR DATE OF BIRTH
Identifies the age
or date of birth of
the juvenile
identified as being
responsible for
the fire
Slide 1111-25
Slide 11-26
M3--GENDER
--GENDER
Identifies the
gender of the
juvenile identified
as being
responsible for the
fire
Slide 1111-26
Slide 11-27
M4--RACE
--RACE
Identifies the
juvenile subject
as a certain race
(based on U.S.
Census Bureau
categories)
Slide 1111-27
SM 11-24
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-28
M5--ETHNICITY
--ETHNICITY
Identifies the
ethnicity of the
juvenile subject
(based on U.S.
Census Bureau
categories)
Slide 1111-28
Slide 11-29
M6--FAMILY
--FAMILY TYPE
Information on
family type will
assist researchers in
determining those
risk factors that may
be a predictor of
juvenile firesetting.
firesetting.
Slide 1111-29
Slide 11-30
M7--MOTIVATION/RISK
--MOTIVATION/RISK
FACTORS
Identifies the
stimulus and/or risk
factors that were
present and
constituted a possible
motivation for the
incident
Slide 1111-30
SM 11-25
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-31
M8--DISPOSITION
--DISPOSITION OF
PERSON UNDER 18
Permits analysis
of how juvenile
offenders are
handled-is
handled--is
particularly
useful in
tracking juvenile
firesetter trends
Slide 1111-31
Slide 11-32
SUMMARY
• The "optional" Arson Module (NFIRS 11) is
used whenever the Cause of Ignition is coded as
"intentional" or "under investigation."
• The Arson Module also may be used
– In cases where the cause is "undetermined
after investigation."
– To document juvenilejuvenile-set fires, whether
determined to be intentional or not.
Slide 1111-32
Slide 11-33
THE FUTURE
Fire and Explosive Incident
Management System
• New InternetInternet-Based Reporting
System
• Replaces AIMS/AIMS 2000
• Interfaces With NFIRS 5.0 Arson
Module
Slide 1111-33
SM 11-26
ARSON AND JUVENILE FIRESETTER MODULE--NFIRS 11
Slide 11-34
QUESTIONS?
Slide 1111-34
SM 11-27
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
UNIT 12:
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
1.
Describe the benefits provided by Version 5.0 of the National Fire Incident Reporting System
(NFIRS).
2.
Identify and properly describe the use of the modules included in NFIRS 5.0.
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
SM 12-2
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
SUMMARY
NFIRS 5.0 is designed to be an all-incident reporting system in order to
keep pace with the rapidly changing activities of the fire service. This allincident system includes reporting for the full range of fire service
incident types.
Modules are included which capture additional
information for fire, emergency medical services (EMS), fire service and
civilian fire casualties, haz mat, and wildland incidents.
Data Use
Data can be used by a fire department to document its fire experience.
That documentation will include information on dollar loss, injuries,
deaths, fire causes, and so forth. The data also can be used to support
management decisions such as the need for a new station, more
personnel/equipment, or an improvement in response times.
State fire service managers use the data to develop codes and standards,
guide legislation, help set training standards, and for a variety of other
issues.
At the Federal level, data can be used to identify consumer product
failures, support Federal legislation, develop national codes and standards,
guide allocation of Federal funds, and so forth.
Ease of Use
NFIRS 5.0 is an open-specification system that is flexible and adaptable.
In an automated system, it is intended that a data element be entered one
time and automatically populate all fields where that information is
required. It will work with a variety of hardware and software systems.
The system is modular in design and requires the completion of only those
modules necessary to describe the incident. Data are collected for all
incident types in one Basic Module and other modules can be used to
further profile the incident. For instance, you can report a small spill
without using the HazMat Module or a grass fire without completing the
Wildland Module.
SM 12-3
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
Compatibility
System 5.0 includes a data mapping strategy to convert 4.1 to 5.0 and
provide for statistical analysis of historical data. (Not all data are
convertible.)
An individual State or a local fire department, as an option, can add data
elements that will provide information for special studies or other needs.
Comprehensiveness
With NFIRS 5.0, precise information about classifications can be made. It
can capture specific property information about multiple onsite materials
and their use. This will allow identification of nonintended or illegal uses
of property such as residential drug houses or laboratories.
Behavioral information also is collected. Data regarding children playing
with fire, their age range, what was used to set a fire, and so forth, would
provide valuable information to administrators of a juvenile firesetter
program.
Preciseness of Reporting
NFIRS 5.0 data fields can capture information beyond simple incident
descriptions. Multiple factors contributing to the fire cause--e.g., drinking
and smoking--can be collected.
Codes have been expanded in the equipment field. Specific items, such as
a hair dryer, can now be coded appropriately instead of coding it as a
portable heating device.
NFIRS 5.0 supports an extra level of coding specificity for each coded
field in the system.
Usefulness
Information that will assist fire department managers is gathered and
classified routinely.
For example, information regarding detector
presence, power supply, effectiveness, operation, and reason for failure is
collected on detectors and automated suppression systems.
The fire service resources--apparatus and personnel--can be collected for
each incident. This information could be used for staffing studies not only
at the local level, but also statewide and/or nationally.
SM 12-4
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
SYSTEM 5.0 MODULE REVIEW
Module Format
The system is modular and requires completion of only those modules
necessary to describe the incident. Each module in the system is designed
to collect specific data.
NFIRS 1--Basic Module
This module is required for every incident reported and is the only module
necessary for certain incident types--small grass fires, outside trash fires,
and confined-to-container-type fires, such as "food on stove" or "chimney
fires."
NFIRS 1S--Supplemental Form
This form adds flexibility to any paper-based incident reporting system by
expanding the amount of data that can be collected. One section of the
form provides a standard means to capture name/address/telephone data
regarding several persons/entities involved in an incident. The other
section of the form furnishes space for additional remarks or narrative
relative to an incident.
NFIRS 2--Fire Module
It is required for any fire that extends beyond a noncombustible container
(a building fire, vehicle fire, outside storage fire), and can be used for
larger vegetation fires.
The Wildland Fire Module can be used instead of the Fire Module for
wildland and outside fires.
NFIRS 3--Structure Fire Module
The Structure Fire Module is used in conjunction with the Fire Module
when a structure is involved. It captures information on the structure type,
building information, fire origin, materials involved, and presence and
operation of detectors and automatic suppression equipment.
SM 12-5
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
NFIRS 4--Civilian Fire Casualty Module
This module is required for civilian (non-fire-service) casualties associated
with fire incidents. Data gathered can be used to develop prevention
responses.
NFIRS 5--Fire Service Casualty Module
It is completed whenever fire service personnel are injured, killed, or
suffer an exposure in connection with an incident (or in cases where an
incident is generated as a result of the injury). Risk reduction measures
can be designed and implemented by Health and Safety Officers based on
this type of casualty information.
NFIRS 6--EMS Module
This module is optional unless required by a State or local jurisdiction. It
offers a standard means for a local fire department to capture basic
information on the emergency medical services that it provides.
NFIRS 7--HazMat Module
Another optional module, it is used whenever the Basic Module indicates
"other" when documenting the hazardous materials release. A separate
form is completed for each material.
NFIRS 8--Wildland Fire Module
This module is optional and may be used when the incident type is
vegetation and other outside fires. These data will describe, in detail,
wildland incidents of all sizes.
NFIRS 9--Apparatus/ Resources Module
Another module that can be used as a local option, it will identify the
apparatus sent to each incident, time of arrival/clearance, number of
people aboard, use, and actions taken.
Note: The Apparatus/Resources Module or the Personnel Module may be
used, but not both.
SM 12-6
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
NFIRS 10--Personnel Module
The Personnel Module is also a local option module and some of the data
may not be forwarded to the State. Personnel identification numbers,
names, rank/grade, apparatus assignment, and actions taken can be noted.
The Apparatus/Resources and Personnel Modules can provide
administrators with data that are useful for management strategy
development.
Note: The Personnel Module or the Apparatus/Resources Module may be
used, but not both.
NFIRS 11--Arson and Juvenile Firesetter Module
The Arson Module can be used as a local option to identify with precision
when and where the crime takes place, what form it takes, and the
characteristics of its targets and perpetrators.
The Arson Module also may be used to document juvenile-set fires,
whether determined to be intentional or not. This information will permit
analysis of juvenile firesetting trends, including intervention strategies and
repeated activity.
WRAP-UP
This course was designed to provide an introduction to, and experience
with, the NFIRS 5.0 all-incident reporting system. The system is intended
to provide complete documentation of the ever-increasing activities of the
modern fire service.
Data collected will include information on dollar loss, injuries, deaths, fire
causes, and so forth. The system allows documenting incidents from fires,
structure fires, wildland fires, EMS, to hazardous materials releases/spills.
The data gathered can be used to support management decisions, develop
codes and standards, guide legislation, help set training standards, identify
consumer product failures, and influence a variety of other issues.
Using the appropriate modules of NFIRS 5.0 to correctly and completely
document the incidents to which fire departments respond and analyzing
the data collected can improve the preparation for, and management of,
those responses. Ultimately, prevention efforts can be enhanced,
responders can be better prepared and safer, and citizens can be better
served.
SM 12-7
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
SM 12-8
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Slide 12-1
UNIT 12:
SUMMARY AND WRAPWRAP-UP
Slide 1212-1
Slide 12-2
SUMMARY AND WRAPWRAP-UP
Slide 1212-2
Slide 12-3
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Describe the benefits provided by Version
5.0 of the National Fire Incident
Reporting System (NFIRS).
• Identify and properly describe the use of
the modules included in NFIRS 5.0.
Slide 1212-3
SM 12-9
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
Slide 12-4
CONCLUSION
• This course was designed to provide an
introduction to, and experience with, the
NFIRS 5.0 AllAll-Incident Reporting System.
• The system is intended to document more
completely the everever-increasing activities of
the modern fire service.
Slide 1212-4
Slide 12-5
DATA COLLECTION AND USE
Data gathered can be used to:
• Support management decisions
• Develop codes and standards
• Guide legislation
• Help set training standards
• Identify consumer product failures
• Affect a variety of other issues
Slide 1212-5
Slide 12-6
NFIRS 5.0
• Is an open specification system, flexible
and adaptable.
• Is automated-a data element is entered
automated--a
one time and automatically fills in
whenever it is needed.
• Is modular and requires completion of
only those modules necessary to describe
the incident.
Slide 1212-6
SM 12-10
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
Slide 12-7
BASIC MODULE-NFIRS 1
MODULE--NFIRS
• The only module necessary for certain
incident types-ones that are handled
types--ones
quickly
• Meets the need for a shortshort-form method of
incident reporting
Slide 1212-7
Slide 12-8
FIRE MODULE-NFIRS 2
MODULE--NFIRS
• Used for any fire that extends beyond a nonnoncombustible container
• Collects information regarding:
– Property details
– Onsite materials or products
– Cause of and factors contributing to ignition
– Fire suppression factors
– Description of any mobile property involved
– Description
Description of any equipment involved
Slide 1212-8
Slide 12-9
STRUCTURE FIRE MODULE-MODULE-NFIRS 3
• Used in conjunction with NFIRS 2 to record
a more complete picture of structural fires
• Notes data about:
– The structure-type, status, height, etc.
structure--type,
– Fire origin and spread
– Material contributing to flame spread
– Presence and operation of detectors and
automatic extinguishing systems
Slide 1212-9
SM 12-11
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
Slide 12-10
CIVILIAN FIRE CASUALTY
MODULE-NFIRS 4
MODULE--NFIRS
• Captures data regarding any civilian (non(nonfirefire-service) casualty associated with a
firefire-related incident.
• Civilians include private citizens, nonnon-firefiredepartment EMS responders, and police.
• A casualty is a person who dies or is
physically injured in such an incident.
Slide 1212-10
Slide 12-11
FIRE SERVICE CASUALTY
MODULE-NFIRS 5
MODULE--NFIRS
• Used to report only firefighter injuries or deaths
involved with an incident.
• Information is collected about:
– Activity at time of injury.
– Primary symptom and injury severity.
– Cause of injury and factors contributing to it.
– Where the injury occurred.
• Data can be used in riskrisk-reduction programs.
Slide 1212-11
Slide 12-12
EMS MODULE-NFIRS 6
MODULE--NFIRS
• Is optional and can be completed for all
medical incidents to which a department
responds
• Data can be entered regarding:
– Provider assessment
– Factors contributing to injury
– Body site and injury type
– Cause of illness/injury
– Procedures used
– Cardiac arrest details
Slide 1212-12
SM 12-12
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
Slide 12-13
HAZMAT MODULE-NFIRS 7
MODULE--NFIRS
• Is designed for documenting reportable
haz mat incidents
• Collects relevant information concerning:
– Haz mat identity
– Container
– Release amounts and location
– Actions taken
– Mitigating factors
Slide 1212-13
Slide 12-14
WILDLAND FIRE MODULE-MODULE-NFIRS 8
• Used to document reportable wildland fires
• Gathers facts about:
– Number of acres burned
– Type of materials involved in wildland fires
– Conditions which contribute to the ignition or
spread
– Resources needed to control and/or extinguish
these fires
Slide 1212-14
Slide 12-15
APPARATUS AND
PERSONNEL MODULES-MODULES-NFIRS 9 AND 10
• Used as a local option
• Collect more detailed information
regarding apparatus and personnel used
in the handling of an incident
Slide 1212-15
SM 12-13
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
Slide 12-16
ARSON AND JUVENILE
FIRESETTER MODULE-NFIRS 11
MODULE--NFIRS
• Used as a local option
• Can help identify with precision:
– When and where the fire takes place
– What form it takes
– The characteristics of its targets and
perpetrators
Slide 1212-16
Slide 12-17
SUPPLEMENTAL FORM-FORM-NFIRS 1S
• For use only with paper reporting
systems
• Provides for extra remarks,
additional persons/entities involved,
special studies, or any other aspect of
an incident
Slide 1212-17
Slide 12-18
NFIRS 5.0 PURPOSE
• Collecting and analyzing data can improve
the preparation for, and management of,
incidents to which departments respond.
• Ultimately,
– Prevention efforts can be enhanced.
– Responders can be better prepared and
safer.
– Citizens can be better served.
Slide 1212-18
SM 12-14
SUMMARY AND WRAP-UP
Slide 12-19
CONCLUSION
NFIRS 5.0
. . . a comprehensive,
coordinated, flexible,
easiereasier-toto-use, incident
reporting standard that is
designed to last and be
useful well into the
future.
Slide 1212-19
Slide 12-20
QUESTIONS ?
Slide 1212-20
SM 12-15
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
APPENDIX
INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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INTRODUCTION TO NFIRS 5.0
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| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Introduction to NFIRS 5.0-Student Manual |
| Subject | March 2006 |
| Author | United States Fire Administration |
| File Modified | 2006-04-03 |
| File Created | 2006-03-23 |