Firefighter Call Volume: Varying Levels and Variables

The number of calls a firefighter receives in a day varies greatly depending on several factors, including the location, size of the fire department, and the time of the year. Understanding this variability is crucial for first responders and the communities they serve.

Urban Fire Departments

In larger cities, firefighters may respond to anywhere from 10 to 20 calls per day. This range is influenced by the population density and the frequency of emergencies. For example, in cities with high population density and frequent emergencies, the number of calls can be as high as expected. These high-volume stations often handle a wide range of incidents, from structure fires to vehicle accidents and medical emergencies.

Rural Fire Departments

In more rural areas, the number of calls can be much lower, often averaging around 1 to 5 calls per day. Rural fire departments face unique challenges, such as larger response distances and often having fewer resources. As a result, they may handle fewer calls overall. This difference underscores the need for local adaptation in fire department planning and resource allocation.

Seasonal Variations

Certain times of the year, such as fire season in areas prone to wildfires, can lead to a significant increase in calls. During these periods, firefighters may be called to handle multiple incidents simultaneously, often involving large fires and significant property damage. These seasonal spikes require specialized training and resources to ensure preparedness and effectiveness.

Variable Factors Influencing Call Volume

When we consider the variability in the number of calls a firefighter receives, it becomes clear that there are multiple factors at play. These include staffing levels, station placement, the number of apparatus per station, and the population density of each neighborhood. For example, in a city of 750,000, some stations might see one or fewer calls per day, while others might average 12 to 15 calls per day. These variations highlight the unique challenges each fire station faces daily.

Personal Experiences

Personal experiences illustrate the wide range of calling patterns. One firefighter mentioned that their station (Station 21) had only 1 engine and operated as Basic Life Support (BLS). If they received 10 calls, they were considered busy. On the other hand, Station 16, which had more resources and was located in a more densely populated area, would consider 10 calls a day as significant. Each station has its unique challenges based on staffing and resources.

Medical Emergencies

When it comes to the types of calls, fire departments across the country primarily deal with medical emergencies. In the author's department, for instance, they handle about 83 medical calls daily. However, not all departments respond to medical calls, indicating a diverse range in how departments are structured and their specific missions.

It is important to note that despite the variability, many departments respond to a wide range of incidents. Firefighters often prioritize their successes and learn from their failures. For example, during a particularly challenging day where six fires were involved, with some less than an acre and others totaling 30,000 acres, the focus is on the successful extinguishing of all the fires, rather than the failures that led to the large-scale fires.

Understanding the variability in the number of calls a firefighter receives is crucial for the public and first responders alike. It highlights the critical nature of their work and the unique challenges they face every day.