NFIRS Documentation by USFA
NFIRS 5.0 – National Fire Incident Reporting System
National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) is the established national standard for reporting fire incidents. This system records all responses by fire departments, including those related to medical emergencies, hazardous materials, rescues, and others, but with a primary focus on fire incidents. NFIRS enables data-based decision-making, facilitating the continuous improvement of the fire service. Compliance with NFIRS standards is a common requirement for fire departments seeking federal grants.
Don’t Miss Out on NFIRS Codes Cheat Sheet
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Structure of NFIRS documentation system:
Don’t Miss Out on NFIRS Codes Cheat Sheet
This documentation covers all aspects of NFIRS including its elements, example codings, and other relevant information.
NFIRS reports are composed of various modules that correspond to the original paper forms, along with transactions, blocks, and elements that group data by concept. [fire module][/nfirs/module/fire/] For instance, the fire module covers all types of fires, from house fires to car fires, while the structure fire module provides additional information specifically for fires that involve structures. The basic module is used in all incidents.
NFIRS Transactions are technical groupings of NFIRS Elements, which are data fields that are typically only observed within software specifications. On the other hand, NFIRS Blocks are traditional visual or logical groupings that one might see on an NFIRS form. The NFIRS validation rules, which determine the validity of reports, often reference data by blocks. NFIRS Traditional paper form is below:
Alternative names and pronunciations exist for NFIRS:
NFIRS, NIFFERS, NFRIS, NIFERS, ENFIRS, NIFRS
NIFFERS is another way of referring to NFIRS. While NFIRS is typically pronounced as “en-furs”, it is sometimes pronounced as “nif-fers” or “nif-ers” or “nif-irs”. It is worth noting that NFIRS is occasionally typoed as “nfris”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the NFIRS?
NFIRS serves as a crucial tool for the fire service in the United States, with the overarching goal of enhancing its effectiveness and safety. By capturing all fire department responses, including those related to medical emergencies, hazardous materials, rescues, and others, it establishes a national standard for reporting fire incidents. This data can then be used for analysis and decision making, enabling the continuous improvement of the fire service. Compliance with NFIRS standards is also a regular requirement for fire departments seeking federal grants, emphasizing the system’s importance as a benchmark for fire service performance.
What code is a structure fire?
The code for a structure fire in NFIRS is 111 – Building Fire. This code is used to indicate that a fire occurred in a building or other structure. The specific module used to report a structure fire is called the “Structure Fire Module,” which includes additional information about the structure involved in the fire, such as the number of floors, the type of building, and the area of origin within the structure.
Who created NFIRS?
NFIRS was created by the United States Fire Administration (USFA), which is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The USFA was established in 1974, with a mission to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies. As part of this mission, the USFA developed NFIRS to provide a standardized system for fire incident reporting across the country. The first version of NFIRS was released in 1976, and it has since undergone several updates and revisions to keep pace with changing technology and reporting needs.
What is the benefit of reporting data using NFIRS?
The primary benefit of reporting data using National Fire Incident Reporting System is that it enables data-based decision making and continuous improvement of the fire service in the United States. By providing a standardized system for reporting fire incident data, NFIRS makes it easier to analyze and compare data across different jurisdictions and time periods. This allows fire departments to identify trends and patterns, evaluate the effectiveness of their response strategies, and make informed decisions about resource allocation and training needs. Additionally, compliance with NFIRS standards is often a requirement for fire departments seeking federal grants, so using NFIRS can help departments secure funding to support their operations. Overall, NFIRS serves as a valuable tool for enhancing the effectiveness and safety of the fire service, benefiting both firefighters and the communities they serve.
Who participates in the National Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRS?
NFIRS is used by fire departments and other first responders throughout the United States to report and track fire incidents. NFIRS participation is voluntary, but it is recommended by the United States Fire Administration (USFA) as a best practice for fire departments. Many states and local jurisdictions require or strongly encourage their fire departments to participate in NFIRS. Additionally, compliance with NFIRS reporting standards is often a requirement for fire departments seeking federal grants, so many departments participate in NFIRS to meet this requirement. In addition to fire departments, NFIRS data is also used by researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the fire service community to inform decision making and improve fire safety.
Here are some statistics related to NFIRS participation:
- As of 2021, over 26,000 fire departments in the United States participate in NFIRS. (Source: U.S. Fire Administration)
- NFIRS collects data on approximately 1.3 million fires each year in the United States. (Source: National Fire Protection Association)
- NFIRS data is used by the USFA to compile the National Fire Incident Reporting System Annual Report, which provides statistics on fire incidence, fatalities, and injuries in the United States. The most recent report, covering 2019, found that there were 1,291,500 fires in the U.S. that year, resulting in 3,704 deaths and 16,600 injuries. (Source: U.S. Fire Administration)
Last Updated on April 26, 2023