What third priority responsibility does the fire service have in public protection?

The third priority responsibility of the fire service in public protection focuses on protecting the environment. This means that while the fire service's primary duties often center around safeguarding lives and property, there is an essential secondary focus on minimizing the impact of fires and other emergencies on the surrounding environment. This can include preventing wildfires from spreading to protected areas, ensuring that hazardous materials are not released during incidents, and promoting sustainable practices that help maintain ecological balance.

In many communities, the fire service plays a crucial role in environmental protection by responding to incidents that pose a threat to natural resources, such as chemical spills or wildland fires. By being trained in these areas, firefighters can not only respond effectively to emergencies but also help mitigate the long-term environmental impacts of such events. This prioritization reflects the fire service's commitment to not only protecting lives and property but also preserving the community's environmental health for future generations.