The National Fire Department Census
USFA completed the first phase of the National Fire Department Census during October 2001 through the spring of 2002. Over 36,000 census forms were mailed to fire departments across the United States. Approximately 16,000 fire departments initially registered with the census which is about half of the fire departments estimated to be in the United States. The second phase of the census conducted from September 2002 through January 2003 resulted in approximately 3,500 new department entries.
The online census database provides a current directory of the fire departments registered with the census as well as some basic information about each one. The USFA is continuously working to encourage more fire departments to participate in the census.
The purpose of the census is to create a national database for use by USFA, our colleagues in the fire protection and prevention communities, allied professions and the general public. USFA will use the database to conduct special studies to guide program decision-making and to improve direct communication with individual fire departments.
In addition to collecting the names and addresses of fire departments across the country, the survey queried fire departments about their capabilities, population and area protected, number of personnel, and specialized services. In the future, the USFA plans to release summaries of this information but in order to increase the validity of the consolidated data more fire department participation is needed.
The census form can be completed online at this web site or by downloading the census form and faxing it to (301) 447-1049. Fire departments currently registered with the census will be able to update the information for their department through the web site. All new submissions and updates will be reviewed by the USFA.
For more information about the USFA National Fire Department Census, please contact us with the feedback form.
Database last updated: 10/25/2004 16:32:19 EDTAn official web site of the Department of Homeland Security
and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Voice: (301) 447-1000 FAX: (301) 447-1346 ADMISSIONS FAX: (301) 447-1441