Securing Minimum Staffing
The IAFF’s Securing Minimum Staffing campaign is about one simple truth: fire fighters cannot do their jobs safely, efficiently, or effectively without proper staffing.
There’s a reason the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets minimum staffing recommendations at four fire fighters per company – anything less puts lives, property, and fire fighters at risk.
The IAFF is calling on fire fighters and communities struggling with fire department staffing to demand more from their local and state officials, and call for prioritizing public safety.
Why Staffing Matters
Fire department staffing levels aren’t just numbers in a city budget – they are the difference between life and death.
In an emergency, every second counts. When departments are understaffed, it delays emergency response times, reduces rescue effectiveness, and increases risks for both fire fighters and those we swore an oath to protect.
FOUR fire fighters is the minimum, not the maximum.
Data and studies from the NFPA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and other leading fire safety organizations confirm that four fire fighters per company save lives.
Here’s why:
- NIST live-burn experiments show that four-person crews complete critical fireground tasks 30% faster than two-person crews and 25% faster than three-person crews.
- Four-person crews are more effective in fire suppression and rescue efforts, leading to safer outcomes across all types of emergencies.
- When departments are fully staffed, it reduces fire fighter burnout, fatigue, and injuries – ensuring fire fighters are ready to properly respond when there’s an emergency.
NFPA 1710 is the industry standard when it comes to safe and effective fire department staffing standards. While not legally required, it serves as the benchmark for professional fire departments across North America.
Securing Minimum Staffing is About …
- Due to synthetic building materials and furniture, fires are burning hotter and faster than ever before. Today, most people have only 3 minutes to escape a structure fire – compared to 17 minutes on average 40 years ago.
- Four fire fighters on scene can put fires out faster, rescue victims more quickly, and have better control of the fireground.
- Four fire fighters on a crew reduce injuries, exhaustion, and burnout in the fire service, and help limit exposure to harmful toxins released during structure fires.
- Four-person crews are the only way to safely implement the “2-in, 2-out” practice – an OSHA-recommended safety regulation that reduces fire fighters’ chances of getting trapped in burning buildings.
- Most people in our communities have no idea that if a major fire were to break out, there’s a good chance their department wouldn’t have enough fire fighters on shift to respond effectively.
- Proper staffing is about investing in the safety of communities before a preventable tragedy forces change to happen.
- Four fire fighters per company should be the standard – not the exception. It’s the only way to ensure the communities we serve get the emergency response they deserve.
Ready to Launch Your Campaign?
The IAFF’s Securing Minimum Staffing Toolkit gives you the resources you’ll need to launch your campaign for safe staffing. Here, you’ll find:
- Comprehensive research to support your cause
- Ready to use “4 Fire Fighters 4 Your Safety” campaign template
- Key messages and SAMPLE social media posts
- Customizable graphics to download and share
- Guidance for setting up events and rallies
- Tips for getting the media to tell your story
Need More Help?
The IAFF is here for assistance.