Why Relying on Firefighters Alone May Not Be Enough: How Every Second Counts.
When a fire is set to break out, the natural instinct we get is to call 911 or the emergency services and just wait for the firefighters to arrive on set. While professional firefighters undergo rigorous training and are equipped to handle all sorts of emergencies, the reality on the ground is that response times can vary—increasing slightly in the past couple years—depending on several factors at hand, when literally every second counts during a fire emergency.
Relying solely on governmental and official firefighting services may not be sufficient or enough to protect your home and loved ones in time. Taking proactive measures and having immediate access to water are initiatives that can make all the crucial difference between just a minor damage and complete devastation.
Photos by: Matt C. & Jay H.
The Critical Factor: Fire Response Times:
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the benchmark average for firefighter response time is around 4-8 minutes for the first engine to arrive on scene in urban settings. This is coupled with a “turnout time”—time to get ready and leave the station—of about 90 seconds.
This benchmark is aimed to be achieved for 90% of the overall calls received. However, in suburban or rural settings, the response time can take significantly longer. With this in mind, it is vital to remember that fires can double in size every single minute, meaning that by the time EMS and firefighters arrive on scene, the fire may already be out of control and thus making it too late to take preemptive actions.
Several factors that can impact EMS response times:
- Traffic congestion: Fire trucks navigating busy roads can face delays, especially during rush hours and in populated cities.
- Distance between station and scene: Homes in remote settings are at greater risk due to longer travel times and distances.
- Multiple simultaneous incidents: If firefighters are responding to another emergency, dispatching resources may be delayed.
- Weather conditions: Heavy rain, icy roads, snow, or strong winds can further slow down response times.
Fires Move Faster Than One Thinks:
A very small flame can escalate into a dangerous out-of-control fire within minutes. According to research by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a home fire can become life-threatening in as little as two minutes and can engulf an entire residence in five minutes. Common combustibles like furniture, curtains, and paper can quickly ignite, contributing to the pace by which the fire moves, thus making early suppression efforts critical and vital.
By the time EMS and firefighters arrive:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation could already be affecting residents.
- The fire may have spread beyond the place and room of origin.
- Structural damage could make rescue efforts more difficult.
Why Waiting for Help To Come Is Not Enough:
Although EMS and firefighters do an exceptional job saving lives and homes, relying solely on them presents significant risks that have only increased with the years. Homeowners should take a proactive stance when it comes to fire preparedness and protecting their loved ones.
Some of the key reasons why waiting for governmental help may not be enough include:
1. Limited Access to Water During Emergencies:
Many homeowners rely on municipal or state water supplies for fighting fires, but during an emergency, water pressure can drop significantly due to excessive demand. Hydrants may also not always be close enough to a burning home or scene, delaying response efforts even further.
2. Fires Can Start in Isolated Locations:
Fires don’t always start in easily accessible settings. A fire igniting in a backyard, on a rooftop, or near an exterior wall may spread before firefighters can effectively contain it. Immediate action by homeowners can prevent fires from escalating and spreading to larger areas.
3. Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters Can Completely Strain Resources:
During wildfire seasons, like the recent LA fires, or major storms, emergency services are often stretched extremely thin. Response times may increase as firefighters prioritize larger or more severe incidents and settings, leaving residential homes and some areas very vulnerable.
Taking Fire Fighting and Protection Into Your Own Hands:
Because of the unpredictable nature of fires—whether residential or wild—homeowners must adopt additional safety measures beyond calling 911 and start preparing preemptive procedures and bullet-proof plans of emergency. Proactive fire defense systems can help control small fires before they become catastrophic.
What Homeowners Can Do:
- Install several fire extinguishers in key areas of the home, especially the kitchen.
- Maintain defensible space by clearing dry vegetation and flammable debris around the house and yard.
- Use fire-resistant building materials.
- Develop an emergency evacuation plan for your family.
- Sharing the emergency plans with your neighborhood for a community-led effort.
- Consider alternative firefighting solutions, such as direct access to water sources already available, like pools.
Weekly Fact-Drop:
Did you know that according to the National Institutes of Health, emergency medical service units average around 7 minutes from the time the 911 call is made to arrival on scene?
This median time increases to more than 14 minutes in some rural settings, with nearly 1 of 10 of the encounters waiting almost a half hour for the arrival of the specialized EMS personnel.
Data: Maine EMS, 2023, EMS Response Times 2021-2023 in Maine USA.
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How FF1 Provides Immediate Fire Defense:
At FireFighter1™, we truly understand that time is of the absolute essence during a fire or any other kind of emergency. Our innovative adaptive aquatic solutions allow homeowners to connect a fire hose directly to their pool, providing instant access to thousands of gallons of water in less than a minute. This allows homeowners to take immediate action, drenching the exterior of the home, wetting surrounding vegetation, keeping fires at bay before they spread, and creating a line of defense that can stop fires from jumping to new areas.
Unlike relying solely on official hydrants or waiting for professional emergency responders, our system ensures that homeowners have a powerful, self-sufficient method of protecting not only their property but also their neighbors’. Having a dedicated water source for firefighting purposes can mean the difference between minor damage and total loss and devastation.
Be Ready Before Fire Strikes:
Fire emergencies are unpredictable by nature, and response times can vary based on multiple factors. While firefighters play a crucial role in protecting lives, communities and properties, homeowners should not rely solely on their arrival and should take preemptive measures at home. Immediate access to water and proactive plans of action can significantly improve fire outcomes and thus, quality of life, making you the first line of defense against fire emergencies.
Investing in reliable fire protection solutions, such as FF1’s pool-to-fire-hose systems, empowers homeowners to act swiftly, efficiently and effectively in the event of a fire outbreak.
By taking fire safety into your own hands and home, you increase your chances of saving your home and loved ones from complete disaster.
Do not wait for a fire to strike—be prepared and stay protected with the right tools in place.