What is the best source for historical trending information used by fire agencies?

The best source for historical trending information used by fire agencies is the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). NFIRS is a comprehensive national database that collects and compiles data about fire incidents across the United States. It provides standardized incident reports that enable fire agencies to track trends, analyze data over time, and identify patterns related to fire causes, firefighting resources, and overall fire service performance.

By utilizing NFIRS data, fire agencies can make informed decisions about resource allocation, training needs, and fire prevention strategies. The data can reveal important insights, such as peak times for incidents, common causes of fires, and the effectiveness of various fire suppression tactics. This information is crucial for improving community safety and enhancing fire response capabilities.

While local government records, emergency response logs, and insurance claims data can provide valuable information, they may not offer the same level of comprehensive and standardized data as NFIRS, making it the preferred source for historical trending analysis in the fire service.