Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®).

Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

NFPA
®

1710
Standard for the
Organization and Deployment U S E
O N L Y

of Fire Suppression Operations, A L

Emergency Medical Operations,
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} D U
V I
and Special Operations to the
D I
IN
Public by Career Fire Departments
R
2020
O
F Customer ID

64415703
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

®
IMPORTANT NOTICES AND DISCLAIMERS CONCERNING NFPA STANDARDS
®
NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (“NFPA Standards”), of which the document
contained herein is one, are developed through a consensus standards development process approved by the
American National Standards Institute. This process brings together volunteers representing varied viewpoints
and interests to achieve consensus on fire and other safety issues. While the NFPA administers the process and
establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not independently test, evaluate, or
verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in NFPA Standards.
The NFPA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever,
whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use
of, or reliance on NFPA Standards. The NFPA also makes no guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy or
completeness of any information published herein.
In issuing and making NFPA Standards available, the NFPA is not undertaking to render professional or other
services for or on behalf of any person or entity. Nor is the NFPA undertaking to perform any duty owed by any
person or entity to someone else. Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own independent
judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of
L Y
reasonable care in any given circumstances.
The NFPA has no power, nor does it undertake, to police or enforce compliance with the contents of NFPA
Standards. Nor does the NFPA list, certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for compliance with
O N
this document. Any certification or other statement of compliance with the requirements of this document shall
not be attributable to the NFPA and is solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker of the statement.

S E
REVISION SYMBOLS IDENTIFYING CHANGES FROM THE PREVIOUS EDITION

L U
Text revisions are shaded. A Δ before a section number indicates that words within that section were

U A
deleted and a Δ to the left of a table or figure number indicates a revision to an existing table or
figure. When a chapter was heavily revised, the entire chapter is marked throughout with the Δ
symbol. Where one or more sections were deleted, a • is placed between the remaining sections.

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
I D
Chapters, annexes, sections, figures, and tables that are new are indicated with an N .
Note that these indicators are a guide. Rearrangement of sections may not be captured in the

I V
markup, but users can view complete revision details in the First and Second Draft Reports located in
the archived revision information section of each code at www.nfpa.org/docinfo. Any subsequent

D
changes from the NFPA Technical Meeting, Tentative Interim Amendments, and Errata are also
located there.

IN
O R REMINDER: UPDATING OF NFPA STANDARDS

Users of NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (“NFPA Standards”) should be

F aware that these documents may be superseded at any time by the issuance of a new edition, may be
amended with the issuance of Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs), or be corrected by Errata. It is
intended that through regular revisions and amendments, participants in the NFPA standards
development process consider the then-current and available information on incidents, materials,
technologies, innovations, and methods as these develop over time and that NFPA Standards reflect
this consideration. Therefore, any previous edition of this document no longer represents the current
NFPA Standard on the subject matter addressed. NFPA encourages the use of the most current edition
of any NFPA Standard [as it may be amended by TIA(s) or Errata] to take advantage of current
experience and understanding. An official NFPA Standard at any point in time consists of the current
edition of the document, including any issued TIAs and Errata then in effect.
To determine whether an NFPA Standard has been amended through the issuance of TIAs or
corrected by Errata, visit the “Codes & Standards” section at www.nfpa.org.

ISBN: 978-145592353-3 (PDF)

Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

®
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT NOTICES AND DISCLAIMERS CONCERNING NFPA STANDARDS

Updating of NFPA Standards

Users of NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (“NFPA Standards”) should be aware that these
documents may be superseded at any time by the issuance of a new edition, may be amended with the issuance of Tentative
Interim Amendments (TIAs), or be corrected by Errata. It is intended that through regular revisions and amendments,
participants in the NFPA standards development process consider the then-current and available information on incidents,
materials, technologies, innovations, and methods as these develop over time and that NFPA Standards reflect this
consideration. Therefore, any previous edition of this document no longer represents the current NFPA Standard on the
subject matter addressed. NFPA encourages the use of the most current edition of any NFPA Standard [as it may be amended
by TIA(s) or Errata] to take advantage of current experience and understanding. An official NFPA Standard at any point in
time consists of the current edition of the document, including any issued TIAs and Errata then in effect.
To determine whether an NFPA Standard has been amended through the issuance of TIAs or corrected by Errata, visit the
“Codes & Standards” section at www.nfpa.org.
Interpretations of NFPA Standards
A statement, written or oral, that is not processed in accordance with Section 6 of the Regulations Governing the
Development of NFPA Standards shall not be considered the official position of NFPA or any of its Committees and shall not
L Y
be considered to be, nor be relied upon as, a Formal Interpretation.
Patents
The NFPA does not take any position with respect to the validity of any patent rights referenced in, related to, or asserted in
connection with an NFPA Standard. The users of NFPA Standards bear the sole responsibility for determining the validity of O N
of any patent resulting from the use of or reliance on NFPA Standards.
NFPA adheres to the policy of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regarding the inclusion of patents in
S E
any such patent rights, as well as the risk of infringement of such rights, and the NFPA disclaims liability for the infringement

U
American National Standards (“the ANSI Patent Policy”), and hereby gives the following notice pursuant to that policy:
NOTICE: The user’s attention is called to the possibility that compliance with an NFPA Standard may require use of an

L
invention covered by patent rights. NFPA takes no position as to the validity of any such patent rights or as to whether such

A
patent rights constitute or include essential patent claims under the ANSI Patent Policy. If, in connection with the ANSI Patent
Policy, a patent holder has filed a statement of willingness to grant licenses under these rights on reasonable and

U
nondiscriminatory terms and conditions to applicants desiring to obtain such a license, copies of such filed statements can be
obtained, on request, from NFPA. For further information, contact the NFPA at the address listed below.

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
Law and Regulations

I D
Users of NFPA Standards should consult applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. NFPA does not, by the

I V
publication of its codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides, intend to urge action that is not in compliance with
applicable laws, and these documents may not be construed as doing so.
Copyrights
D
IN
NFPA Standards are copyrighted. They are made available for a wide variety of both public and private uses. These include
both use, by reference, in laws and regulations, and use in private self-regulation, standardization, and the promotion of safe
practices and methods. By making these documents available for use and adoption by public authorities and private users, the
NFPA does not waive any rights in copyright to these documents.

O R
Use of NFPA Standards for regulatory purposes should be accomplished through adoption by reference. The term
“adoption by reference” means the citing of title, edition, and publishing information only. Any deletions, additions, and
changes desired by the adopting authority should be noted separately in the adopting instrument. In order to assist NFPA in

Ffollowing the uses made of its documents, adopting authorities are requested to notify the NFPA (Attention: Secretary,
Standards Council) in writing of such use. For technical assistance and questions concerning adoption of NFPA Standards,
contact NFPA at the address below.
For Further Information
All questions or other communications relating to NFPA Standards and all requests for information on NFPA procedures
governing its codes and standards development process, including information on the procedures for requesting Formal
Interpretations, for proposing Tentative Interim Amendments, and for proposing revisions to NFPA standards during regular
revision cycles, should be sent to NFPA headquarters, addressed to the attention of the Secretary, Standards Council, NFPA, 1
Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101; email: stds_admin@nfpa.org.
For more information about NFPA, visit the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at
no cost at www.nfpa.org/docinfo.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-1

Copyright © 2019 National Fire Protection Association®. All Rights Reserved.

NFPA® 1710

Standard for the

Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency

Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire
Departments
2020 Edition

L Y
N
This edition of NFPA 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations,
Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments, was prepared
by the Technical Committee on Fire and Emergency Service Organization and Deployment-Career. It
was issued by the Standards Council on April 28, 2019, with an effective date of May 18, 2019, and
supersedes all previous editions.
O
This edition of NFPA 1710 was approved as an American National Standard on May 18, 2019.

Origin and Development of NFPA 1710

S E
L U
In 2001, the first edition of NFPA 1710 was issued. The development of that benchmark standard
was the result of a considerable amount of hard work and tenacity by the technical committee
members and the organizations they represented. That standard was the first organized approach to
defining levels of service, deployment capabilities, and staffing levels for substantially career fire

A
departments. Research work and empirical studies in North America were used by the committee as
a basis for developing response times and resource capabilities for those services, as identified by the
fire department.
U
I D
Following the issuance of the first edition, the NFPA Standards Council asked the technical
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
committee to begin the revision process for a 2004 edition of the standard. The committee formed
several task groups to look at various aspects of the document. However, recognizing that the

I V
standard had not been fully field tested, the extent of the changes proposed were minimal with a
cleanup of definitions, the addition of wording regarding equivalency in the annex, and clarification

D
that the discussion on rate of fire propagation in the annex involved unsprinklered rooms.
The 2010 edition of NFPA 1710 standardized and refined terminology and definitions used in the

IN
document. Particular attention was paid to terminology for time frames for the various events that
occur from event initiation to the end of the fire department’s involvement with the incident. This
included recognition that there is a time interval to initiate action or intervene at the end of travel

R
time and before control and mitigation actually begin.
The requirements for time frames for alarm handling were revised to correspond to changes

F O being made to NFPA 1221. The time allowance for turnout for fires and special operations was
lengthened to 80 seconds, but the time measurement was defined to start at the beginning of the
transmission of response data to the emergency response units or emergency response facilities. All
times shown as both minutes and seconds were changed to seconds only because that is the level of
precision in which the committee intends time to be measured. An application section was added in
Chapter 1. The travel times for units responding on the first alarm were clarified to indicate the first
unit must arrive within 4 minutes travel time and all units must arrive within 8 minutes travel time.
The quadrennial report required to be provided to the AHJ in the previous edition was changed to
an annual report.
The annex material related to the requirement stated for an initial full alarm assignment
capability was moved to the body of the standard to clarify that the requirement applies to a structure
fire in a typical 2000 ft2 (186 m2), two-story single-family dwelling without basement and with no
exposures. In addition, wording was added to require additional resources be deployed on fires in
occupancies that present hazards greater than the two-story single-family dwelling. The community-
wide risk management model that has been in an annex to NFPA 1710.

NFPA and National Fire Protection Association are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-2 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

The work done by the committee provided the user with a template for developing an implementation plan on the
standard. Most important, it provided the body politic and citizens a true picture of the risks in their communities and the fire
departments’ capabilities to respond to and manage those risks.
In the 2016 edition, the committee added three new occupancies and the appropriate response staffing levels for garden-
style apartment, open-air strip mall, and high-rise occupancies. In addition, redundant text was removed, and some language
was clarified.
For the 2020 edition, the committee has updated the definition for career fire department and clarified how to determine if the
department would fall under either NFPA 1710 or NFPA 1720. The committee has also added several new definitions relating
to geographic areas based on population density, and included the number of responders needed based on type of incident
and tasks to accomplish. New requirements have been added for mobile water supply tankers/tenders. Requirements for
deployment and training of incident safety officers have been added as well. And material on wildland fire suppression has
been expanded.

L Y
O N
S E
L U
U A
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
I D
I V
D
IN
O R
F

2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

COMMITTEE PERSONNEL 1710-3

Technical Committee on Fire and Emergency Service Organization and Deployment-Career

William W. Bryson, Chair
Pembroke Pines, FL [E]
Rep. Metropolitan Fire Chiefs-IAFC/NFPA

Thomas George Arnold, Fairfax County Fire Rescue, PA [E] Patrick Martin Lancton, International Association of Fire Fighters
Michael S. Digman, Metro West Fire Protection District, MO [U] Local 341 (IAFF), TX [L]
Dave Downey, Miami Dade Fire Rescue, FL [E] Frank A. Leeb, FDNY, NY [U]
Rep. International Association of Fire Chiefs Rep. Fire Department City of New York
Richard K. Fagan, Center for Public Safety Excellence, MO [SE] Frank Lima, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, CA [L]
Anne M. Finn, League of Minnesota Cities, MN [C] Richard L. Merrell, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, VA
Rep. National League of Cities [M]

Y
Rep. International Fire Service Training Association
Michael Grant, New Haven, CT [SE]
Hugh O’Callaghan, Hamden Fire Department, CT [U]

L
Thomas Hanify, The Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana, IN
[L] Gary Rainey, Florida Professional Firefighters, FL [L]
Rep. International Association of Fire Fighters Chris Ross, Association des Pompiers de Montreal Inc., Canada [L]
Todd A. Harms, Sacramento Metro Fire Dist, CA [E]
Michael Haynes, U.S. Department of the Air Force, TX [E]
Jason M. Hoevelmann, Florissant Valley Fire Protection District, MO
[U]
L. Charles Smeby, University of Florida, FL [SE]

O N
Mark A. Sanders, Cincinnati Fire Fighters Local 48- IAFF 8th
District, OH [L]

Donald H. J. Turno, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, SC

E
Dabney Hudson, DC Firefighters Association, DC [L] [U]
Rep. International Association of Fire Fighters J. Curtis Varone, Public Agency Training Council, RI [SE]
Thomas C. Jenkins, Rogers Fire Department, AR [E]
Kevin P. Kuntz, Verisk Analytics/Insurance Services Office, Inc., NJ
[I] S
Andrew J. Vita, City of Fairfax Fire Department, VA [E]
Jimm Walsh, Winter Park Fire Department, FL [U]

U
Rep. International Fire Marshals Association

L
Alternates
Matt Alter, Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48, OH [L] Anthony Gamboa, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, CA [L]
(Alt. to Mark A. Sanders)
Steve Beuerlein, Phoenix Fire Department, AZ [L]
(Alt. to Patrick Martin Lancton)
Eric Bridge, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, CA [E]
U A (Alt. to Frank Lima)
Rob Hyndman, Ontario Professional Fire Fighter’s Association
(PFFA), Canada [L]
(Alt. to Dabney Hudson)
(Alt. to Todd A. Harms)
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
I
William Brad Brown, Grand Rapids Fire Department, MI [E]
D Donald Lombardi, West Metro Fire Rescue, CO [E]
(Alt. to Dave Downey)

V
(Voting Alt.) Kevin McDonald, Springdale Fire Department, AR [E]

I
Rachel Lynn Carlson, League Of Minnesota Cities, MN [C] (Alt. to Thomas C. Jenkins)
(Alt. to Anne M. Finn) Patrick J. Morrison, International Association of Fire Fighters, DC

D
Joseph Finn, Boston Fire Department, MA [E] [L]
(Alt. to William W. Bryson) (Alt. to Thomas Hanify)

IN
Ken Holland, NFPA Staff Liaison

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the final text of this edition.

R
Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred. A key to classifications is found at the
back of the document.

F O NOTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of

the Association or any document developed by the committee on which the member serves.

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the
organization, operation, deployment, and evaluation of substantially all career public fire
protection and emergency medical services.

2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-4 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Contents

Chapter 1 Administration ......................................... 1710– 5 5.2 Fire Suppression Services. ............................... 1710– 11
1.1 Scope. ................................................................ 1710– 5 5.3 Emergency Medical Services (EMS). .............. 1710– 13
1.2 Purpose. ............................................................ 1710– 5 5.4 Special Operations Response. ......................... 1710– 14
1.3 Application. ...................................................... 1710– 5 5.5 Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF)
1.4 Equivalency. ...................................................... 1710– 5 Services. ............................................................ 1710– 15
5.6 Marine Rescue and Fire-Fighting (MRFF)
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications ......................... 1710– 5 Services. ............................................................ 1710– 15
2.1 General. ............................................................ 1710– 5 5.7 Wildland Fire Suppression Services. ............... 1710– 16
2.2 NFPA Publications. ........................................... 1710– 5
2.3 Other Publications. .......................................... 1710– 6 Chapter 6 Systems ..................................................... 1710– 17
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory 6.1 Safety and Health System. ............................... 1710– 17

Y
Sections. ............................................................ 1710– 6 6.2 Incident Management System. ........................ 1710– 17
6.3 Training Systems. ............................................. 1710– 17
Chapter
3.1
3.2
3.3
3 Definitions ...............................................
General. ............................................................
NFPA Official Definitions. ...............................
General Definitions. .........................................
1710– 6
1710– 6
1710– 6
1710– 6
6.4
6.5

Annex A
Communications Systems. ...............................
Pre-Incident Planning. .....................................

N
Explanatory Material ...............................
L
1710– 17
1710– 17

1710– 17

Chapter
4.1
4 Organization ............................................
Fire Department Organizational Statement. ..
1710– 9
1710– 9
Annex B Community-Wide Risk Assessment

O
Model ....................................................... 1710– 23

E
4.2 Fire Suppression Services. ............................... 1710– 10
4.3 Emergency Medical Services. .......................... 1710– 10 Annex C NFPA 1710 at a Glance ............................ 1710– 26

S
4.4 Special Operations. .......................................... 1710– 10
Annex D Response Objectives ............................... 1710– 27
4.5 Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services. .... 1710– 10

U
4.6 Marine Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services. .... 1710– 10 Annex E Informational References ....................... 1710– 27
4.7 Wildland Fire Suppression Services. ............... 1710– 10
4.8 Intercommunity Organization. ....................... 1710– 10 Index .................................................................. 1710– 29

Chapter 5
5.1
Fire Department Services .......................
Purpose. ............................................................
1710– 11
1710– 11

A L
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} D U
V I
D I
IN
O R
F

2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS 1710-5

NFPA 1710 department and does not address tactical operations at a

specific emergency incident.
Standard for the
1.2 Purpose.
Organization and Deployment of Fire 1.2.1* The purpose of this standard is to specify the minimum
criteria addressing the effectiveness and efficiency of the career
Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical public fire suppression operations, emergency medical service,
Operations, and Special Operations to the and special operations delivery in protecting the citizens of the
jurisdiction and the occupational safety and health of fire
Public by Career Fire Departments department employees.
2020 Edition 1.2.2 Nothing herein is intended to restrict any jurisdiction
from exceeding these minimum requirements.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This NFPA document is made available for
use subject to important notices and legal disclaimers. These notices
and disclaimers appear in all publications containing this document
1.3 Application.
1.3.1 This standard applies to the deployment of resources by
a fire department to emergency situations when operations can
L Y
N
and may be found under the heading “Important Notices and
Disclaimers Concerning NFPA Standards.” They can also be viewed be implemented to save lives and property.

O
at www.nfpa.org/disclaimers or obtained on request from NFPA. 1.3.2 The standard is a benchmark for most common respon‐
UPDATES, ALERTS, AND FUTURE EDITIONS: New editions of ses and a platform for developing the appropriate plan for
NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (i.e., deployment of resources for fires in higher hazard occupancies
NFPA Standards) are released on scheduled revision cycles. This
edition may be superseded by a later one, or it may be amended
outside of its scheduled revision cycle through the issuance of Tenta‐
tive Interim Amendments (TIAs). An official NFPA Standard at any
or more complex incidents.

S E
1.4* Equivalency. Nothing in this standard is intended to
prohibit the use of systems, methods, or approaches of equiva‐
point in time consists of the current edition of the document, together
with all TIAs and Errata in effect. To verify that this document is the
current edition or to determine if it has been amended by TIAs or
Errata, please consult the National Fire Codes® Subscription Service
L U
lent or superior performance to those prescribed by this stand‐
ard, provided technical documentation is submitted to the
authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency.

or the “List of NFPA Codes & Standards” at www.nfpa.org/docinfo.

In addition to TIAs and Errata, the document information pages also
include the option to sign up for alerts for individual documents and
to be involved in the development of the next edition.
U A Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this

D
chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be
NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
the paragraph can be found in Annex A.

V I
designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on
considered part of the requirements of this document.
2.2 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association,

I
A reference in brackets [ ] following a section or paragraph 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA
NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, 2019

D
document. Extracted text may be edited for consistency and
style and may include the revision of internal paragraph refer‐ edition.
NFPA 403, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services

IN
ences and other references as appropriate. Requests for inter‐
pretations or revisions of extracted text shall be sent to the at Airports, 2018 edition.
technical committee responsible for the source document. NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous
Information on referenced and extracted publications can Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, 2018 edition.

O R
be found in Chapter 2 and Annex E.

Chapter 1 Administration
NFPA 1143, Standard for Wildland Fire Management, 2018
edition.
NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use
of Emergency Services Communications Systems, 2019 edition.

F
Δ 1.1* Scope. This standard contains minimum requirements
relating to the organization and deployment of fire suppression
operations, emergency medical operations, and special opera‐
tions to the public by career fire departments.
NFPA 1407, Standard for Training Fire Service Rapid Intervention
Crews, 2015 edition.
NFPA 1500™, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety,
Health, and Wellness Program, 2018 edition.
NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Profes‐
1.1.1 The requirements address functions and performance sional Qualifications, 2015 edition.
objectives of fire department emergency service delivery, NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Manage‐
response capabilities, and resources. ment System and Command Safety, 2014 edition.
1.1.2 This standard also contains general requirements for NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, 2015 edition.
managing resources and systems, such as health and safety, inci‐ NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical
dent management, training, communications, and pre-incident Search and Rescue Incidents, 2017 edition.
planning.
1.1.3 This standard addresses the strategic and system issues
involving the organization, operation, and deployment of a fire

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-6 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

2.3 Other Publications. indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable
for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for
2.3.1 U.S. Government Publications. U.S. Government adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be
Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall
DC 20401-0001. be located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational
Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.120, note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of
“Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.” Style. When used in a generic sense, such as in the phrase
“standards development process” or “standards development
Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.146, activities,” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards,
“Permit-Required Confined Space.” including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and
2.3.2 Other Publications. Guides.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam- 3.3 General Definitions.

Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
3.3.1 Advanced Life Support (ALS). See 3.3.44.1.
3.3.2 Aid.

L Y
N
NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous 3.3.2.1* Automatic Aid. A plan developed between two or
Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, 2018 edition. more fire departments for immediate joint response on first

O
NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Profes‐ alarms. [1142, 2017]
sional Qualifications, 2017 edition.
NFPA 1081, Standard for Facility Fire Brigade Member Professional 3.3.2.2 Mutual Aid. A written intergovernmental agree‐

E
Qualifications, 2018 edition. ment between agencies and/or jurisdictions that they will
NFPA 1142, Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural assist one another on request by furnishing personnel,
Fire Fighting, 2017 edition.
NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use
of Emergency Services Communications Systems, 2019 edition.
NFPA 1500™, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety
S
equipment, and/or expertise in a specified manner.
3.3.3 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting. See 3.3.25.1.

U
3.3.4* Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle. A
and Health Program, 2018 edition.
NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Profes‐
sional Qualifications, 2015 edition.
A L
vehicle intended to carry rescue and fire-fighting equipment
for rescuing occupants and combating fires in aircraft at, or in
the vicinity of, an airport. [1002, 2017]

U
NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Manage‐ 3.3.5* Alarm. A signal or message from a person or device
ment System and Command Safety, 2014 edition. indicating the existence of an emergency or other situation

D
NFPA 1720, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire that requires action by an emergency response agency. [1221,
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special

I
Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments, 2020 edition.
NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, 2016

V
2019]
3.3.6 Alarm Answering Time. See 3.3.64.1.
edition.

Chapter 3 Definitions
D I 3.3.7 Alarm Handling Time. See 3.3.64.2.
3.3.8 Alarm Processing Time. See 3.3.64.3.

IN
3.3.9 Alarm Transfer Time. See 3.3.64.4.
3.1 General. The definitions contained in this chapter shall 3.3.10 Apparatus.
apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not
3.3.10.1 Fire Apparatus. A vehicle designed to be used

R
defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be
defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the under emergency conditions to transport personnel and
context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate equipment, and to support the suppression of fires and miti‐

O
Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily

F
accepted meaning.
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
N
gation of other hazardous situations. [1901, 2016]
3.3.10.2 Mobile Water Supply Apparatus (Tanker, Tender). A
vehicle designed primarily for transporting (pickup, trans‐
porting, and delivering) water to fire emergency scenes to
3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic‐ be applied by other vehicles or pumping equipment. [1901,
tion. 2016]
3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, 3.3.10.3 Quint Apparatus. A fire apparatus with a perma‐
office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements nently mounted fire pump, a water tank, a hose storage
of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, area, an aerial device with a permanently mounted water‐
an installation, or a procedure. way, and a complement of ground ladders.
3.2.3 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement. 3.3.10.4 Specialized Apparatus. A fire apparatus or vehicle
3.2.4 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is that is used for support or specialized equipment and serv‐
advised but not required. ices at emergency scenes for functions such as, but not limi‐
ted to, command, technical rescue, hazardous materials
3.2.5 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of which mitigation, urban search and rescue, air supply, electrical
contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

DEFINITIONS 1710-7

generation and lighting, or transport of equipment and 3.3.25.3 Structural Fire Fighting. The activities of rescue,
personnel. fire suppression, and property conservation in buildings or
other structures, vehicles, rail cars, marine vessels, aircraft,
3.3.11 Automatic Aid. See 3.3.2.1. or like properties.
3.3.12 Basic Life Support (BLS). See 3.3.44.2. 3.3.26 Fire Protection. Methods of providing fire detection,
N 3.3.13 Career Fire Department. A fire department that control, and extinguishment.
utilizes full-time or full-time-equivalent (FTE) station-based 3.3.27* Fire Suppression. The activities involved in control‐
personnel immediately available to comprise at least 50 percent ling and extinguishing fires. [1500, 2018]
of an initial full alarm assignment.
N 3.3.28 First-Due Response Zone. The geographic area
N 3.3.14* Community Risk Assessment. A systematic approach surrounding a fire station in which a company from that station
that identifies, assesses, categorizes, and classifies the probabili‐ is projected to be the first to arrive on the scene of an incident.
ties and consequences of a community’s fire and nonfire
hazards and threats, taking into account all pertinent facts that
increase or decrease risks in each first-due response zone.
3.3.15* Company. A group of members: (1) under the direct
3.3.29* First Responder (EMS). Functional provision of
initial assessment (i.e., airway, breathing, and circulatory
systems) and basic first-aid intervention, including CPR and
L Y
supervision of an officer; (2) trained and equipped to perform
assigned tasks; (3) usually organized and identified as engine
companies, ladder companies, rescue companies, squad
companies, or multi-functional companies; (4) operating with
automatic external defibrillator (AED) capability.

O N
3.3.30 Forcible Entry. Techniques used by fire personnel to
gain entry into buildings, vehicles, aircraft, or other areas of
confinement when normal means of entry are locked or

E
one piece of fire apparatus (pumper, aerial fire apparatus, blocked.
elevating platform, quint, rescue, squad, ambulance) except
N 3.3.31* Full-Time Equivalent (FTE). The hours worked by
where multiple apparatus are assigned that are dispatched and
arrive together, continuously operate together, and are
managed by a single company officer; (5) arriving at the inci‐
dent scene on fire apparatus. [1500, 2018]
S
one employee on a full-time basis or a conversion of the hours
worked by several part-time employees into the hours worked

U
by full-time employees.

3.3.16 Company Officer. See 3.3.48.1.

3.3.17 Crew. See 3.3.63, Team.

A L
N 3.3.32 Geographical Isolation. A first-due response zone or
jurisdiction with staffed resources where over 80 percent of the
response area is outside of a 10-minute travel time from the
next closest staffed suppression apparatus.

U
N 3.3.18 Dense Urban. An incorporated or unincorporated area
with a population of over 200,000 people and/or a population N 3.3.33* Geographical Restriction. A defined condition, meas‐

D
density of over 3,000 people per square mile. ure, or infrastructure design that limits response and/or results
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
3.3.19 Emergency Incident. Any situation to which an emer‐

V I
gency services organization responds to deliver emergency serv‐
in predictable response delays to certain portions of the juris‐
diction.

hazard control and mitigation. [1561, 2014]

D I
ices, including rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical
care, special operations, law enforcement, and other forms of

3.3.20 Emergency Medical Care. The treatment of patients

3.3.34* Hazard. A condition that presents the potential for
harm or damage to people, property, or the environment.
3.3.35 Hazardous Material. A substance that is capable of
creating harm to people, the environment, or property due to

IN
using first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life its toxicity, chemical reactivity, decomposition, or corrosivity; is
support, advanced life support, and other medical procedures capable of explosion or detonation; or presents etiological
prior to arrival at a hospital or other health care facility. hazards, whether used for its intended purpose or as a weapon

O R
3.3.21 Emergency Operations. See 3.3.49.1.
N 3.3.22 Fire Alarm Signal Notification. Activation of an alarm-
initiating device from a supervising station alarm system as
of mass destruction (WMD) or for illicit labs purposes, environ‐
mental crimes, or industrial sabotage.
3.3.36* High-Hazard Occupancy. An occupancy that presents

F
a high life hazard or large fire potential due to its construction,
identified by NFPA 72. configuration, or the presence of specific materials, processes,
3.3.23 Fire Apparatus. See 3.3.10.1. or contents.

3.3.24 Fire Department Member. See 3.3.46, Member. 3.3.37 Incident Commander. The member responsible for all
incident activities, including the development of strategies and
3.3.25 Fire Fighting. tactics and the ordering and the release of resources. [472,
3.3.25.1* Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting. The fire-fighting 2018]
actions taken to rescue persons and to control or extinguish 3.3.38* Incident Management System (IMS). An organized
fire involving or adjacent to aircraft on the ground. [1500, system that defines the roles and responsibilities to be assumed
2018] by responders and the standard operating procedures to be
3.3.25.2* Marine Rescue and Fire Fighting. The fire-fighting used in the management and direction of emergency incidents
action taken to prevent, control, or extinguish fire involved and other functions.
in or adjacent to a marine vessel and the rescue actions for 3.3.39 Incident Safety Officer. See 3.3.48.2.
occupants using normal and emergency routes for egress.

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-8 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

3.3.40 Initial Full Alarm Assignment. Those personnel, equip‐ 3.3.53* Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC). A dedicated crew of
ment, and resources ordinarily dispatched upon notification of at least one officer and three members, positioned outside the
a structure fire. IDLH, trained and equipped as specified in NFPA 1407, who
are assigned for rapid deployment to rescue lost or trapped
3.3.41 Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC). See 3.3.53.1. members.
3.3.42 Initiating Action/Intervention Time. See 3.3.64.5. 3.3.53.1 Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC). Two
3.3.43 Intergovernmental Agreement. A written formal members of the initial attack crew, positioned outside the
authorization for services between two or more jurisdictions. IDLH, trained and equipped as specified in NFPA 1407, who
are assigned for rapid deployment (i.e., two in/two out) to
3.3.44 Life Support. rescue lost or trapped members.
3.3.44.1 Advanced Life Support (ALS). Emergency medical 3.3.54 Rescue. Those activities directed at locating endan‐
treatment beyond basic life support that provides for gered persons at an emergency incident, removing those
advanced airway management including intubation,
advanced cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, establishment
and maintenance of intravenous access, and drug therapy.
persons from danger, treating the injured, and providing for
transport to an appropriate health care facility. [1500, 2018]
N 3.3.55 Rural. An area with fewer than 500 people per square
L Y
3.3.44.2* Basic Life Support (BLS). A specific level of pre‐
hospital medical care provided by trained responders,
focused on rapidly evaluating a patient's condition; main‐
taining a patient's airway, breathing, and circulation;
controlling external bleeding; preventing shock; and
mile.
3.3.56 Special Operations. See 3.3.49.2.
3.3.57 Specialized Apparatus. See 3.3.10.4.
O N
preventing further injury or disability by immobilizing
potential spinal or other bone fractures.
3.3.45 Marine Rescue and Fire Fighting. See 3.3.25.2.
E
3.3.58* Staff Aide. A fire fighter or fire officer assigned to a
supervisory chief officer to assist with the logistical, tactical, and

S
accountability functions of incident, division, or sector
command.
3.3.46* Member. A person involved in performing the duties
and responsibilities of a fire department, under the auspices of
the organization. [1500, 2018]
L U
3.3.59 Standard Operating Procedure. A written organiza‐
tional directive that establishes or prescribes specific opera‐
tional or administrative methods to be followed routinely for
3.3.47 Mutual Aid. See 3.3.2.2.
3.3.48 Officer.
3.3.48.1* Company Officer. A supervisor of a crew/company
U A the performance of designated operations or actions. [1521,
2015]
3.3.60 Structural Fire Fighting. See 3.3.25.3.

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
of personnel.
3.3.48.2 Incident Safety Officer. A member of the command
I D N 3.3.61 Suburban. An incorporated or unincorporated area
with a population between 500 and 1,000 people per square

V
mile.

I
staff responsible for monitoring and assessing safety hazards
or unsafe situations and for developing measures for ensur‐ 3.3.62 Supervisory Chief Officer. See 3.3.48.3.

D
ing personnel safety. 3.3.63 Team. Two or more members who have been assigned
3.3.48.3* Supervisory Chief Officer. A member whose a common task and are in communication with each other,

IN
responsibility is to assume command through a formalized coordinate their activities as a work group, and support the
transfer of command process and to allow company officers safety of one another. [1081, 2018]
to directly supervise personnel assigned to them. 3.3.64 Time.

O R
3.3.49 Operations.
3.3.49.1 Emergency Operations. Activities of the fire depart‐
ment relating to rescue, fire suppression, emergency medi‐
3.3.64.1 Alarm Answering Time. The time interval that
begins when the alarm is received at the communication
center and ends when the alarm is acknowledged at the

Fcal care, and special operations, including response to the

scene of the incident and all functions performed at the
scene. [1500, 2018]
3.3.49.2* Special Operations. Those emergency incidents to
communication center.
3.3.64.2 Alarm Handling Time. The time interval from the
receipt of the alarm at the primary PSAP until the begin‐
ning of the transmittal of the response information via voice
or electronic means to emergency response facilities (ERFs)
which the fire department responds that require specific
and advanced training and specialized tools and equipment. or the emergency response units (ERUs) in the field.
[1500, 2018] 3.3.64.3 Alarm Processing Time. The time interval from
N 3.3.50 Performance Objective. The specific requirement or when the alarm is acknowledged at the communication
end result of a work activity. center until response information begins to be transmitted
via voice or electronic means to emergency response facili‐
3.3.51 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). A facility in ties (ERFs) and emergency response units (ERUs).
which 9-1-1 calls are answered. [1221, 2019]
3.3.52 Quint Apparatus. See 3.3.10.3.

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

ORGANIZATION 1710-9

3.3.64.4 Alarm Transfer Time. The time interval from the (1) Alarm handling time completion in accordance with
receipt of the emergency alarm at the PSAP until the alarm 4.1.2.3
is first received at the communication center. (2) 80 seconds turnout time for fire and special operations
response and 60 seconds turnout time for EMS response
3.3.64.5* Initiating Action/Intervention Time. The time inter‐ (3)* 240 seconds or less travel time for the arrival of the first
val from when a unit arrives on the scene to the initiation of engine company at a fire suppression incident
emergency mitigation. (4) 360 seconds or less travel time for the arrival of the
3.3.64.6* Total Response Time. The time interval from the second company with a minimum staffing of 4 personnel
receipt of the alarm at the primary PSAP to when the first at a fire suppression incident
emergency response unit is initiating action or intervening (5) For other than high-rise, 480 seconds or less travel time
to control the incident. for the deployment of an initial full alarm assignment at a
fire suppression incident
3.3.64.7 Travel Time. The time interval that begins when a (6) For high-rise, 610 seconds or less travel time for the
unit is en route to the emergency incident and ends when
the unit arrives at the scene.
3.3.64.8 Turnout Time. The time interval that begins when
deployment of an initial full alarm assignment at a fire
suppression incident
(7) 240 seconds or less travel time for the arrival of a unit
with first responder with automatic external defibrillator
L Y
the emergency response facilities (ERFs) and emergency
response units (ERUs) notification process begins by either
an audible alarm or visual annunciation or both and ends at
the beginning point of travel time.
O N
(AED) or higher-level capability at an emergency medical
incident
(8) 480 seconds or less travel time for the arrival of an
advanced life support (ALS) unit at an emergency medi‐

E
3.3.65 Total Response Time. See 3.3.64.6. cal incident, where this service is provided by the fire
department provided a first responder with an AED or
3.3.66 Travel Time. See 3.3.64.7.
3.3.67 Turnout Time. See 3.3.64.8.
N 3.3.68 Urban. An incorporated or unincorporated area with a
population of over 30,000 people and/or a population density
less travel time

U S
basic life support (BLS) unit arrived in 240 seconds or

4.1.2.2 The fire department shall document the initiating

action/intervention time.
over 1,000 people per square mile but less than 2,999.
N 3.3.69 Wildland. An area in which development is essentially
nonexistent except for roads, railroads, powerlines, and similar
A L
4.1.2.3 Alarm Handling.
4.1.2.3.1 The fire department shall establish a performance

U
objective of having an alarm answering time of not more than
transportation facilities with structures widely scattered. 15 seconds for at least 95 percent of the alarms received and

D
N 3.3.70 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The line or zone not more than 40 seconds for at least 99 percent of the alarms
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
where structures and other development meet or intermingle
with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels and the area

V I
within or adjacent to private and public property where mitiga‐
received, as specified by NFPA 1221.
Δ 4.1.2.3.1.1 Any call not answered within 20 seconds shall be

D I
tion actions can prevent damage or loss from wildfire.

Chapter 4 Organization
routed to a secondary answering (alternate) center if the
primary center is full.
N 4.1.2.3.1.2 An alarm shall sound if a call is not answered (not
processed, just answered) within 60 seconds.

IN
4.1 Fire Department Organizational Statement.
4.1.1* The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) shall maintain
4.1.2.3.2 When the alarm is received at a public safety answer‐
ing point (PSAP) and transferred to a secondary answering

R
point or communication center, the agency responsible for the
a written statement or policy that establishes the following: PSAP shall establish a performance objective of having an
(1) Existence of the fire department alarm transfer time of not more than 30 seconds for at least

F
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
O Services that the fire department is required to provide
Basic organizational structure
Expected number of fire department members
Functions that fire department members are expected to
perform
95 percent of all alarms processed, as specified by NFPA 1221.
4.1.2.3.3 The fire department shall establish a performance
objective of having an alarm processing time of not more than
64 seconds for at least 90 percent of the alarms and not more
than 106 seconds for at least 95 percent of the alarms, as speci‐
4.1.2* The fire department organizational statement shall fied by NFPA 1221.
provide service delivery objectives, including specific time
objectives for each major service component [i.e., fire suppres‐ 4.1.2.3.3.1 Emergency alarm processing for the following call
sion, emergency medical services (EMS), special operations, types shall be completed within 90 seconds 90 percent of the
aircraft rescue and fire fighting, marine rescue and fire fight‐ time and within 120 seconds 99 percent of the time:
ing, and/or wildland fire fighting] and objectives for the (1) Calls requiring emergency medical dispatch questioning
percentage of responses that meet the time objectives. and pre-arrival medical instructions
(2) Calls requiring language translation
Δ 4.1.2.1 The fire department shall establish the following (3) Calls requiring the use of a TTY/TDD device or audio/
performance objectives for the first-due response zones that video relay services
are identified by the AHJ: (4) Calls of criminal activity that require information vital to
emergency responder safety prior to dispatching units

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-10 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

(5) Hazardous material incidents 4.3.3 Where emergency medical services beyond the first
(6) Technical rescue responder with AED level are provided by another agency or
(7) Calls that require determining the location of the alarm private organization, the AHJ, based on recommendations
due to insufficient information from the fire department, shall include the minimum staffing,
(8) Calls received by text message deployment, and response criteria as required in Section 5.3 in
the following:
4.1.2.4 The fire department shall establish a performance
objective of not less than 90 percent for the achievement of (1) The fire department organizational statement
each turnout time and travel time performance objective speci‐ (2) Any contract, service agreement, governmental agree‐
fied in 4.1.2.1. ment, or memorandum of understanding between the
AHJ and the other agency or private organization
4.1.2.5 Evaluations.
4.4 Special Operations.
4.1.2.5.1* The fire department shall evaluate its level of serv‐

Y
ice and deployment delivery and alarm handling time, turnout 4.4.1 The fire department organizational statement shall set
time, and travel time performance objectives on an annual forth the criteria for the various types of special operations
basis.
4.1.2.5.2* The evaluations shall be based on emergency inci‐
dent data relating to level of service, deployment, and the
response and mitigation activities to which the fire department
is required or expected to respond.

N
4.4.2* The fire department organizational statement shall
L
O
achievement of each travel time performance objective in each ensure that the fire department's hazardous materials response
geographic area within the jurisdiction of the fire department. capability includes personnel, equipment, and resources to
deploy at the first responder operational level as required by

E
4.1.2.6 The fire department shall provide the AHJ with a writ‐ 29 CFR 1910.120.
ten report annually.

S
4.4.3 The fire department organizational statement shall
4.1.2.6.1 The annual report shall define the geographic areas ensure that the fire department's confined space response
and/or circumstances in which the requirements of this stand‐

U
capability includes personnel, equipment, and resources to
ard are not being met. deploy at the confined space operational level as required by
29 CFR 1910.146.
4.1.2.6.2 The annual report shall explain the predictable
consequences of these deficiencies and address the steps that
are necessary to achieve compliance.

A L
4.4.4 The fire department organizational statement shall set
forth the criteria for the various types of fire department
response during natural disasters or terrorism incidents, weap‐

U
N 4.1.2.6.3 The annual report shall identify any deficiencies that
are anticipated to develop in the next 3 years and address the ons of mass destruction incidents, or large-scale or mass casu‐
alty events.

D
steps necessary to continue to achieve compliance to this stand‐
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
ard.
N 4.1.2.7 Incident Reports.

V I 4.5 Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services. The fire

department organizational statement shall set forth the criteria
for the various types of airport rescue and fire-fighting inci‐

I
N 4.1.2.7.1 The fire department shall maintain a standardized
reporting system that collects specific information on each inci‐
dent. [1720:4.4.1]
D
dents to which the fire department is required or expected to
respond.
4.6 Marine Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services. The fire

IN
N 4.1.2.7.1.1 The incident report shall include the location and department organizational statement shall set forth the criteria
nature of the fire or emergency and describe the circumstances for the various types of marine rescue and fire-fighting inci‐
of the incident and the operations performed. [1720:4.4.1.1] dents to which the fire department is required or expected to

R
respond.
N 4.1.2.7.1.2 This report shall identify the members responding
to the incident. [1720:4.4.1.2] 4.7 Wildland Fire Suppression Services. The fire department

O
4.2 Fire Suppression Services. The fire department organiza‐

F
tional statement shall set forth the criteria for the various types
of fire suppression incidents to which the fire department is
required to respond.
organizational statement shall set forth the criteria for the vari‐
ous types of wildland fire suppression incidents to which the
fire department is required and/or expected to respond.
4.8 Intercommunity Organization.
4.3 Emergency Medical Services. 4.8.1* Mutual aid, automatic aid, and fire protection agree‐
ments shall be through a written intergovernmental agreement
4.3.1 The fire department organizational statement shall set and shall address issues such as liability for injuries and deaths,
forth the criteria for the various types of emergency medical disability retirements, cost of service, authorization to respond,
incidents to which the fire department is required and/or staffing, and equipment, including the resources to be made
expected to respond. available, availability of interoperable communications, and the
4.3.2 The fire department organizational statement shall designation of the incident commander.
ensure that the fire department's emergency medical response 4.8.2 Procedures and training of personnel for all fire depart‐
capability includes personnel, equipment, and resources to ments in mutual aid, automatic aid, and fire protection agree‐
deploy at the first responder level with AED or higher treat‐ ment plans shall be comprehensive to produce an effective fire
ment level. force and to ensure uniform operations.

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICES 1710-11

Chapter 5 Fire Department Services 5.2.2.2.5* Supervisory chief officers shall have staff aides
deployed to them for purposes of incident management and
5.1 Purpose. accountability at emergency incidents.
5.1.1 The services provided by the fire department shall N 5.2.2.3 An incident safety officer shall be deployed upon
include those activities identified by the organizational state‐ confirmation of a structural fire, at special operation incidents,
ment developed as required by Chapter 4. or when significant risk is present to the member due to the
nature of an incident.
5.1.2 The procedures involved in providing these services,
including operations and deployment, shall be established N 5.2.2.3.1 The incident safety officer, meeting the require‐
through written administrative regulations, standard operating ments as specified for the incident safety officer in NFPA 1521,
procedures (SOPs), and departmental orders. shall have the expertise to evaluate hazards and provide direc‐
tion with respect to the overall safety of personnel.
5.2* Fire Suppression Services.
5.2.1 Fire Suppression Capability.
5.2.1.1 Based on a formal community risk assessment, fire
suppression operations shall be organized to ensure that the
5.2.3 Operating Units. Fire company staffing requirements
shall be based on minimum levels necessary for safe, effective,
and efficient emergency operations.

L Y
fire department's fire suppression capability encompasses
deployment of personnel, equipment, and resources for an
initial arriving company, the initial full alarm assignment, and
additional alarm assignments.
engine companies.
O N
5.2.3.1 Engine Companies. Fire companies whose primary
functions are to pump and deliver water and perform basic fire
fighting at fires, including search and rescue, shall be known as

E
5.2.3.1.1 These companies shall be staffed with a minimum of
N 5.2.1.2 Response personnel shall be trained in their assigned four on-duty members.
positions in accordance with Sections 5.2 and 5.3 of
NFPA 1500.
5.2.1.3 The fire department shall be permitted to use estab‐
lished automatic aid and mutual aid agreements to comply with
U S
5.2.3.1.2 In first-due response zones with a high number of
incidents, geographical restrictions, geographical isolation, or
urban areas, as identified by the AHJ, these companies shall be
staffed with a minimum of five on-duty members.
the requirements of Section 5.2.
5.2.2* Staffing. The number of on-duty fire suppression
members shall be sufficient to perform the necessary fire-
A L
5.2.3.1.2.1 In first-due response zones with tactical hazards,
high-hazard occupancies, or dense urban areas, as identified by
the AHJ, these fire companies shall be staffed with a minimum

U
fighting operations given the expected fire-fighting conditions. of six on-duty members.
5.2.2.1 These numbers shall be determined through task anal‐

D
5.2.3.2 Ladder/Truck Companies. Fire companies whose
yses that take the following factors into consideration:
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
(1)
(2)
Life hazard to the populace protected

V I
Provisions of safe and effective fire-fighting performance
primary functions are to perform the variety of services associ‐
ated with truck work, such as forcible entry, ventilation, search
and rescue, aerial operations for water delivery and rescue, util‐

(3)
(4)
conditions for the fire fighters
Potential property loss

D I
Nature, configuration, hazards, and internal protection
of the properties involved
ity control, illumination, overhaul, and salvage work, shall be
known as ladder or truck companies.
5.2.3.2.1 These fire companies shall be staffed with a mini‐

IN
(5) Types of fireground tactics and evolutions employed as mum of four on-duty members.
standard procedure, type of apparatus used, and results 5.2.3.2.2 In first-due response zones with a high number of
expected to be obtained at the fire scene incidents, geographical restrictions, geographical isolation, or

R
5.2.2.2* On-duty members assigned to fire suppression shall
be organized into company units and shall have appropriate

O
apparatus and equipment assigned to such companies.
urban areas, as identified by the AHJ, these fire companies
shall be staffed with a minimum of five on-duty members.
5.2.3.2.2.1 In first-due response zones with tactical hazards,

F
Δ 5.2.2.2.1* The fire department shall identify minimum high-hazard occupancies, or dense urban areas, as identified by
company staffing levels as necessary to meet the deployment the AHJ, these fire companies shall be staffed with a minimum
criteria required in 5.2.4 to ensure that a sufficient number of of six on-duty members.
members are assigned, on duty, and available to respond with 5.2.3.3 Other Types of Companies.
each company.
5.2.3.3.1 Other types of companies equipped with specialized
5.2.2.2.2 Each company shall be led by an officer who shall be apparatus and equipment shall be provided to assist engine
considered a part of the company. and ladder companies where necessary to support the fire
5.2.2.2.3* Supervisory chief officers shall be dispatched or departments’ SOPs.
notified to respond to all full alarm assignments. 5.2.3.3.2 These companies shall be staffed with the minimum
5.2.2.2.4 The supervisory chief officer shall ensure that the number of on-duty members required to deal with the tactical
incident management system is established as required in hazards, high-hazard occupancies, high incident frequencies,
Section 6.2. geographical restrictions, or other pertinent factors as identi‐
fied by the AHJ.

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-12 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

5.2.3.4 Fire Companies with Quint Apparatus. 5.2.4.1.2 When an incident escalates beyond an initial full
alarm assignment, or when significant risk is present to the
5.2.3.4.1 A fire company that deploys with quint apparatus, member due to the magnitude of the incident, the incident
designed to operate as either an engine company or a ladder commander shall request an EMS crew consisting of a mini‐
company, shall be staffed as specified in 5.2.3. mum of two members to provide treatment and transport for
5.2.3.4.2 If the company is expected to perform multiple roles injured members and civilians.
simultaneously, additional staffing, above the levels specified in •
5.2.4.2 Open-Air Strip Shopping Center Initial Full Alarm
5.2.3, shall be provided to ensure that those operations can be Assignment Capability.
performed as required.
5.2.4.2.1* The initial full alarm assignment to a structure fire
N 5.2.3.5 Mobile Water Supply Tanker/Tender. in a typical open-air strip shopping center ranging from
N 5.2.3.5.1 A mobile water supply apparatus whose primary 13,000 ft2 to 196,000 ft2 (1203 m2 to 18,209 m2) in size shall
function is to pick up, transport, and deliver water to the scene provide for the following:
of a fire or other incident that requires a dedicated water
supply shall be known as either a tanker or tender.
N 5.2.3.5.2 This tanker/tender shall be staffed with a minimum
(1) Establishment of incident command outside the hazard
area for the overall coordination, direction, and safety of
the initial full alarm assignment with a minimum of two
L Y
of two on-duty members.
N 5.2.3.6 Emergency Medical Care. Where emergency medical
care is provided by outside agencies or organizations, those
personnel shall be included in the deployment plan and meet
members dedicated to managing this task (2)

minimum of 500 gpm (1892 L/min), with each supply

line maintained by an operator (2)
N
(2) Establishment of two uninterrupted water supplies at a

O
(3) Establishment of an effective water flow application rate
the requirements as stated.
5.2.4 Deployment.

S E
of 500 gpm (1892 L/min) from three handlines, each of
which has a minimum flow rate of 150 gpm (568 L/
min), with each handline operated by a minimum of two

U
5.2.4.1 Single-Family Dwelling Initial Full Alarm Assignment members to effectively and safely maintain each hand‐
Capability. line (6)
(4) Provision of one support member for each attack,
5.2.4.1.1* The initial full alarm assignment to a structure fire
in a typical 2000 ft2 (186 m2), two-story single-family dwelling
without basement and with no exposures shall provide for the
following:
A L
backup, and exposure line deployed to provide hydrant
hookup and to assist in laying of hose lines, utility
control, and forcible entry (3)
(5) Provision of at least two victim search-and-rescue teams,
(1) Establishment of incident command outside of the
hazard area for the overall coordination and direction of
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} D U each team consisting of a minimum of two members (4)
(6) Provision of at least two teams, each team consisting of a

I
the initial full alarm assignment with a minimum of one minimum of two members, to raise ground ladders and
member dedicated to this task (1) perform ventilation (4)
(2)

I
mum of 400 gpm (1520 L/min) for 30 minutes with
supply line(s) maintained by an operator (1) V
Establishment of an uninterrupted water supply of a mini‐ (7) If an aerial device(s) is used in operations, one member
to function as an aerial operator and maintain primary
control of the aerial device at all times (1)
(3)

D
Establishment of an effective water flow application rate
of 300 gpm (1140 L/min) from two handlines, each of
(8) At a minimum, an initial rapid intervention crew (IRIC)
assembled from the initial attack crew and, as the initial

IN
which has a minimum flow rate of 100 gpm (380 L/min) alarm response arrives, a full and sustained rapid inter‐
with each handline operated by a minimum of two vention crew (RIC) established (4)
members to effectively and safely maintain the line (4) (9) The establishment of an initial medical care component

R
(4) Provision of one support member for each attack and consisting of at least two members capable of providing
backup line deployed to provide hydrant hookup and to immediate on-scene emergency medical support and
transport that provides rapid access to civilians or

O
assist in laying of hose lines, utility control, and forcible
entry (2) members potentially needing medical treatment (2)
(5)

(6)
F Provision of at least one victim search and rescue team
with each such team consisting of a minimum of two
members (2)
Provision of at least one team, consisting of a minimum
of two members, to raise ground ladders and perform
(10) Total effective response force a minimum of 27 (28 if an
aerial device is used)
5.2.4.3 Apartment Initial Full Alarm Assignment Capability.
5.2.4.3.1 The initial full alarm assignment to a structure fire in
ventilation (2) a typical 1200 ft2 (111 m2) apartment within a three-story,
(7) If an aerial device is used in operations, one member to garden-style apartment building shall provide for the following:
function as an aerial operator to maintain primary
(1) Establishment of incident command outside the hazard
control of the aerial device at all times (1)
area for the overall coordination, direction, and safety of
(8) At a minimum, an initial rapid intervention crew (IRIC)
the initial full alarm assignment with a minimum of two
assembled from the initial attack crew and, as the initial
members dedicated to managing this task (2)
alarm response arrives, a full and sustained rapid inter‐
(2) Establishment of two uninterrupted water supplies at a
vention crew (RIC) established (4)
minimum of 400 gpm (1520 L/min), with each supply
(9) Total effective response force with a minimum of 16 (17 if
line maintained by an operator (2)
an aerial device is used)

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICES 1710-13

(3) Establishment of an effective water flow application rate (7) Provision of one officer, with an aide, dedicated to estab‐
of 300 gpm (1140 L/min) from three handlines, each of lishing an oversight at or near the entry point on the fire
which has a minimum flow rate of 100 gpm (380 L/ floor(s). (2)
min), with each handline operated by a minimum of two (8) Provision of one officer, with an aide, dedicated to estab‐
members to effectively and safely maintain each hand‐ lishing an oversight at or near the point of entry on the
line (6) floor above the fire. (2)
(4) Provision of one support member for each attack, (9) Provision of two or more evacuation management teams
backup, and exposure line deployed to provide hydrant to assist and direct building occupants with evacuation
hookup and to assist in laying of hose lines, utility or sheltering actions, with each team consisting of a
control, and forcible entry (3) minimum of two members. (4)
(5) Provision of at least two victim search-and-rescue teams, (10) Provision of one or more members to account for and
each team consisting of a minimum of two members (4) manage elevator operations. (1)
(6) Provision of at least two teams, each team consisting of a (11) Provision of a minimum of one trained incident safety
minimum of two members, to raise ground ladders and
perform ventilation (4)
(7) If an aerial device is used in operations, one member to
function as an aerial operator and maintain primary
officer. (1)
(12) Provision of a minimum of one officer two floors below
the fire floor to manage the interior staging area. (1)
(13) Provision of a minimum of two members to manage
L Y
control of the aerial device at all times (1)
(8) At a minimum, an initial rapid intervention crew (IRIC)
assembled from the initial attack crew and, as the initial
alarm response arrives, a full and sustained rapid inter‐
O N
member rehabilitation and at least one of the members
to be trained to the ALS level. (2)
(14) Provision of an officer and a minimum of three
members to conduct vertical ventilation operations. (4)

E
vention crew (RIC) established (4). (15) Provision of a minimum of one officer to manage the
(9) The establishment of an initial medical care component building lobby operations. (1)
consisting of at least two members capable of providing
immediate on-scene emergency medical support, and
transport that provides rapid access to civilians or
members potentially needing medical treatment (2)
U S
(16) Provision of a minimum of two members to transport
equipment to a location below the fire floor. (2)
(17) Provision of one officer to manage external base opera‐
tions. (1)

L
(10) Total effective response force a minimum of 27 (28 if an (18) The establishment of an initial medical care component
aerial device is used) consisting of a minimum of two crews with a minimum
5.2.4.4* High-Rise Initial Full Alarm Assignment Capability.
Δ 5.2.4.4.1 Initial full alarm assignment to a fire in a building
with the highest floor greater than 75 ft (23 m) above the
U A of two members each with one member trained to the
ALS level capable of providing immediate on-scene
emergency medical support, and transport that provides
rapid access to civilians or members potentially needing

the following:

I D
lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall provide for
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
medical treatment. (4)
(19) Total effective response force a minimum of 42 (43 if the
building is equipped with a fire pump).
(1) Establishment of a stationary incident command post

I V
outside the hazard area for overall coordination and
direction of the initial full alarm assignment with a mini‐
N 5.2.4.5* Fire Alarm Notification Assignment. Initial alarm
assignment to a fire alarm signal notification, without confirma‐

D
mum of one officer with an aide dedicated to these task‐
sand all operations are to be conducted in compliance
tion of a suspected fire condition and without multiple detec‐
tion signals, shall be a minimum of one four-person company

IN
with the incident command system. (2) to investigate the cause of the fire alarm signal notification.
(2) Establishment of an uninterrupted water supply to the
building standpipe/sprinkler connection sufficient to 5.2.4.6 Additional Alarm Assignments.

R
support fire attack operations maintained by an opera‐ 5.2.4.6.1* Fire departments that respond to fires in occupan‐
torand if the building is equipped with a fire pump, one cies that present hazards greater than those found in the occu‐
additional member with a radio to be sent to the fire

O
pancy described in 5.2.4.1 shall deploy additional resources on
pump location to monitor and maintain operation. the initial alarm.

F
(1/1)
(3) Establishment of an effective water flow application rate 5.2.4.6.2* The fire department shall have the capability to
on the fire floor at a minimum of 500 gpm (1892 L/m) deploy additional alarm assignments that can provide for addi‐
from two handlines, each operated by a minimum of two tional command staff, members, and additional services,
members to safely and effectively handle the line. (4) including the application of water to the fire; engagement in
(4) Establishment of an effective water flow application rate search and rescue, forcible entry, ventilation, and preservation
on the floor above the fire floor at a minimum of of property; safety and accountability for personnel; and provi‐
250 gpm (946 L/m) from at least one handline, with sion of support activities for those situations that are beyond
each deployed handline operated by a minimum of two the capability of the initial full alarm assignment.
members to safely and effectively handle the line. (2) •
5.3* Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The purpose of this
(5) At a minimum, an initial rapid intervention crew (IRIC) section shall be to provide standards for the delivery of EMS by
assembled from the initial attack crew and, as the initial fire departments.
alarm response arrives, a full and sustained rapid inter‐
vention crew (RIC) established. (4) Δ 5.3.1 The fire department shall document its role, responsibil‐
(6) Provision of two or more search-and-rescue teams ities, functions, and performance objectives for the delivery of
consisting of a minimum of two members each. (4) EMS.

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-14 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

5.3.1.1 EMS operations shall be organized to ensure that the 5.3.3.3 Service Delivery Deployment.
fire department's emergency medical capability includes
members, equipment, and resources to deploy the initial arriv‐ 5.3.3.3.1 The fire department shall adopt service delivery
ing company and additional alarm assignments. objectives based on time standards for the deployment of each
service component for which it is responsible.
5.3.1.2 The fire department shall be permitted to use estab‐
lished automatic aid or mutual aid agreements to comply with 5.3.3.3.2 Personnel deployed to ALS emergency responses
the requirements of Section 5.3. shall include a minimum of two members trained at the emer‐
gency medical technician–paramedic level and two members
5.3.2* System Components. trained at the emergency medical technician–basic level arriv‐
ing on scene within the established travel time.
5.3.2.1 Treatment Levels.
5.3.4 Quality Management.
5.3.2.1.1 The basic treatment levels within an EMS system, for
the purposes of this standard, shall be categorized as first 5.3.4.1 The fire department shall institute a quality manage‐
responder, basic life support (BLS), and advanced life support
(ALS).
5.3.2.1.2 The specific patient treatment capabilities associated
ment program to ensure that the service has met the time
performance objectives as required in 4.1.2 for all medical
responses.
L Y
with each level shall be determined by the AHJ based on the
requirements for approval and licensing of EMS providers
within each state or province.
5.3.2.2 Training Levels.
5.3.4.2 Fire Department Medical Personnel Review.

O N
5.3.4.2.1 All first responder and BLS medical care provided by
the fire department shall be reviewed by the fire department
medical personnel.
5.3.2.2.1 The minimal level of training for all members that
respond to emergency incidents shall be to the first
responder/AED level.
S
5.3.4.3 Medical Director Review. E
5.3.4.2.2 This review process shall be documented.

5.3.2.2.2 The AHJ shall determine if further training is

required.
5.3.3 EMS System Functions.
L U
5.3.4.3.1 All fire departments with ALS services shall have a
named medical director with the responsibility to oversee and
ensure quality medical care in accordance with state or provin‐
cial laws or regulations.
5.3.3.1 The AHJ shall determine which of the following
components of an EMS system the fire department shall be
responsible for providing:
U A 5.3.4.3.2 This review process shall be documented.
5.3.4.4 Fire departments providing ALS services shall provide
a mechanism for immediate communications with EMS super‐
(1) Initial response to provide medical treatment at the loca‐
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
tion of the emergency (first responder with AED capabil‐
I D vision and medical oversight.
5.4 Special Operations Response. Special operations shall be

V
ity or higher)

I
(2) BLS response organized to ensure that the fire department’s special opera‐
(3) ALS response tions capability includes members, equipment, and resources

D
(4) Patient transport in an ambulance or alternative vehicle to deploy the initial arriving company and additional alarm
designed to provide for uninterrupted patient care at the assignments providing such services.

IN
ALS or BLS level while en route to a medical facility 5.4.1 The fire department shall be permitted to use estab‐
(5) Assurance of response and medical care through a quality lished automatic aid or mutual aid agreements to comply with
management program the requirements of Section 5.4.

R
5.3.3.2 Staffing.
5.3.3.2.1 On-duty EMS units shall be staffed with the mini‐

O
mum members necessary for emergency medical care relative
5.4.2 The fire department shall adopt a special operations
response plan and SOPs that specify the roles and responsibili‐
ties of the fire department and the authorized functions of
members responding to hazardous materials emergency inci‐

F
to the level of EMS provided by the fire department.
dents.
5.3.3.2.2 EMS staffing requirements shall be based on the
minimum levels needed to provide patient care and member 5.4.3 All fire department members expected to respond to
safety. emergency incidents beyond the first responder operations
level for hazardous materials response shall be trained to the
5.3.3.2.2.1 Units that provide emergency medical care shall be applicable requirements of NFPA 472.
staffed at a minimum with members trained to the first
responder/AED level. 5.4.4 All fire department members expected to respond to
emergency incidents beyond the confined space operations
5.3.3.2.2.2 Units that provide BLS transport shall be staffed level for confined space operations shall be trained to the
and trained at the level prescribed by the state or provincial applicable requirements of NFPA 1670.
agency responsible for providing EMS licensing.
5.4.5 The fire department shall have the capacity to imple‐
5.3.3.2.2.3 Units that provide ALS transport shall be staffed ment an RIC, consisting of personnel trained and equipped as
and trained at the level prescribed by the state or provincial specified in NFPA 1407, during all special operations incidents
agency responsible for providing EMS licensing. that would subject members to immediate danger or injury in

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICES 1710-15

the event of equipment failure or other sudden events, as 5.5.6.2* Incident command shall be established outside of the
required by NFPA 1500. hazard area for the overall coordination and direction of the
initial full alarm assignment.
5.4.6 If a higher level of emergency response is needed
beyond the capability of the fire department for special opera‐ 5.5.6.3 A member shall be dedicated to the task of incident
tions, the fire department shall determine the availability of commander.
outside resources that deploy these capabilities and the proce‐ •
dures for initiating their response. 5.6* Marine Rescue and Fire-Fighting (MRFF) Services.

5.4.7 The fire department shall limit its activities to only those 5.6.1 MRFF operations shall be organized to ensure that the
specific special operations functions for which its members fire department's marine capability includes members, equip‐
have been trained and are correctly equipped. ment, and resources to deploy to the alarm assignments associ‐
ated with a marine emergency incident.
5.5 Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF) Services.
5.6.2 Response Plan.
5.5.1 Airport fire departments shall adopt operations response
plans and SOPs that specify the roles and responsibilities for
nonaircraft incidents as required by 5.1.2.
5.6.2.1 The fire department shall adopt a marine operations
response plan and SOPs that specify the roles and responsibili‐
ties of the fire department and the authorized functions of
L Y
5.5.2 ARFF operations shall be organized to ensure that the
fire department’s capability includes members, equipment, and
resources to deploy the initial arriving company, the initial full
alarm assignment, and additional alarm assignments as
members responding to marine emergencies.

O N
5.6.2.2 Fire department marine operations response plans
and SOPs shall be coordinated with the applicable agencies,
such as the port or harbor authority and supporting agencies.

E
required in 5.2.4.
5.5.3 Airport fire departments shall have access to special 5.6.3 Marine fire departments shall have access to special
tools, equipment, supplies, personal protective equipment
(PPE), and other airport resources that are required to
perform operations in their assigned roles and responsibilities.
U
and responsibilities.
5.6.4 Staffing.
S
tools, equipment, supplies, PPE, and other marine resources
that are required to perform operations in their assigned roles

5.5.4 Deployment.
5.5.4.1 The airport fire department shall deploy the required
number of ARFF vehicles required for the airport’s assigned
A L
5.6.4.1 Numbers of On-Duty Marine Personnel.
5.6.4.1.1 On-duty marine personnel shall consist of the

U
category as established by NFPA 403. number necessary for fire-fighting performance relative to the
5.5.4.2 Airport fire department companies equipped with expected MRFF conditions.

ARFF companies where deemed necessary as identified in

I D
specialized apparatus and equipment shall be provided to assist
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} 5.6.4.1.2 On-duty marine members numbers shall be deter‐
mined through task analyses as required for types of marine

V
5.5.1. vessels and through additional task analyses that take the

performance objective requirements of 4.1.2.

D I
5.5.4.3 Airport fire department companies that deploy to
structure fire incidents on airport property shall meet the time
following factors into consideration:
(1)
(2)
Life hazard to the populace protected
Provisions of safe and effective fire-fighting performance
conditions for the members

IN
5.5.4.4 Airport fire department companies that deploy to (3) Potential property loss
emergency medical incidents on airport property shall meet (4) Nature, configuration, hazards, and internal protection
the time performance objective requirements of 4.1.2. of the properties involved

R
5.5.4.5 The airport fire department shall be permitted to use
established automatic aid or mutual aid agreements to comply

O
with the requirements of Section 5.5.
(5)

(6)
Types of tactics and evolutions employed as standard
procedure, type of marine vessel used, and results expec‐
ted to be obtained at the fire scene
Requirements of the regulatory AHJs over navigable

F 5.5.5 Staffing.
5.5.5.1 Airport fire department ARFF companies shall be
staffed as required by NFPA 403.
5.5.5.2 Airport fire department companies that deploy to
waters, ports, and harbors
5.6.4.2 Organization of On-Duty Members.
5.6.4.2.1 On-duty members assigned to marine fire fighting
shall be organized into company units and shall have required
structure fire incidents on airport property shall meet the staff‐ vessels and equipment assigned to such companies.
ing requirements of 5.2.2.
5.6.4.2.2 Each marine company shall be led by an officer who
5.5.5.3 Airport fire department companies that deploy to shall be considered a part of the company.
emergency medical incidents on airport property shall meet
the staffing requirements of 5.3.3.2. 5.6.5 Operating Units.

5.5.6 Emergency Operations. 5.6.5.1* Fire companies whose primary function is to deliver
and pump water and extinguishing agents at the scene of a
5.5.6.1 At all emergency scene operations, an incident marine incident shall be known as marine companies.
management system shall be used that meets the requirements
of Section 6.2. 5.6.5.2 These companies shall be staffed with a minimum
number of on-duty members as required by the tactical and

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-16 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

occupancy hazards to which the marine vessel responds and by N 5.7.2.3 Additional Staffing.
the regulatory AHJs over navigable waters, ports, and harbors.
N 5.7.2.3.1 At least two wildland fire fighters shall be dispatched
5.7 Wildland Fire Suppression Services. Wildland fire to a wildland fire and be referred to as a team.
suppression operations shall be organized to ensure that the
fire department's wildland fire suppression capability includes N 5.7.2.3.2 For the purposes of dispatching wildland fire-
members, equipment, and resources to deploy wildland direct fighting resources, a team shall be defined as a minimum of
operations that can address marginal situations before they get two certified wildland fire-fighting personnel.
out of control and wildland indirect fire-fighting operations N 5.7.2.3.3 One fire fighter shall be capable of performing as an
that can be assembled and placed into operation against major IAIC on scene at the incident.
wildland fires.
N 5.7.2.3.4 The second separate fire fighter dispatched shall
5.7.1 Organization. perform fire-fighting operations under the supervision of the
IAIC.
5.7.1.1 Fire departments performing wildland operations shall
adopt a wildland fire-fighting operations response plan and
SOPs that specify the roles and responsibilities of the fire
department and the authorized functions of members respond‐
N 5.7.2.3.5 The IAIC shall conduct an initial assessment and
size-up of the incident.
L Y
ing to wildland fire emergencies.
5.7.1.2 All wildland fire suppression operations shall be organ‐
ized to ensure compliance with NFPA 1143.
N 5.7.2.3.6 The IAIC shall use his or her judgment based on

O
the incident with the crew on scene or request additional
resources.
N
training and experience in deciding whether to safely engage

E
5.7.1.3 Fire departments performing wildland operations shall N 5.7.2.3.7 The IAIC shall assume the duties of command and
have access to special tools, equipment, supplies, PPE, and incident safety officer until relieved on the incident.
other wildland resources that are required to perform opera‐
tions in their assigned roles and responsibilities.
5.7.2 Staffing. The number of on-duty wildland fire-fighting
personnel shall be sufficient to perform the necessary fire-
U S
N 5.7.2.3.8 Members shall not be dispatched or respond to a
wildfire alone without additional personnel on scene to
perform the duties of IAIC.
fighting operations given the expected wildland fire-fighting
conditions.
5.7.2.1 On-duty wildland fire-fighting members’ numbers shall
A L
5.7.3 Operating Units. Fire crews whose primary function is
to deliver and pump water and extinguishing agents at the
scene of a wildland fire shall be known as wildland crews.
be determined through task analyses that take the following
factors into consideration:

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} D U 5.7.3.1 These crews shall be staffed with a minimum of four

on-duty members.

I
(1) Life hazard to the populace protected 5.7.3.2 Engine and ladder (truck) crews that respond to wild‐
(2) Provisions of safe and effective fire-fighting performance land fire fighting and/or urban interface wildland fire-fighting

(3)
conditions for the members

I
The number of trained response members available to
the department, including mutual aid resources V incidents shall be staffed as required by 5.2.3.
Δ 5.7.3.3 Other Types of Crews.
(4)
(5)
Potential property loss

D
Nature, configuration, hazards, and internal protection
5.7.3.3.1 Other types of crews equipped with specialized appa‐
ratus and equipment for wildland fire fighting, including

IN
of the properties involved aircraft, heavy equipment, mini-pumpers, and fast attack vehi‐
(6) Types of wildland tactics and evolutions employed as cles, shall be provided to assist wildland engine and ladder
standard procedure, type of apparatus used, and results companies where deemed necessary as part of established prac‐

R
expected to be obtained at the fire scene tice.
(7) Topography, vegetation, and terrain in the response
area(s) 5.7.3.3.2 These crews shall be staffed with a minimum number

O
5.7.2.2 On-duty personnel assigned to wildland operations

F
shall be organized into crews and shall have required apparatus
and equipment assigned to such companies.
of on-duty personnel as required by the tactical, topographical,
environmental, fuel (vegetation), and occupancy hazards.
5.7.4 Deployment.
5.7.4.1 Required Number of Vehicles.
5.7.2.2.1 The fire department shall identify minimum crew
staffing levels necessary to meet the deployment criteria to 5.7.4.1.1 The fire department shall deploy from its wildland
ensure that a sufficient number of members are assigned, on resources the number of vehicles required for a direct and/or
duty, and available to respond with each crew. indirect attack.
5.7.2.2.2 Each crew shall be led by an officer who shall be 5.7.4.1.2* Prior to the initiation of any wildland fire attack,
considered a part of the crew. the fire department shall have the capacity to establish a look‐
5.7.2.2.3 Supervisory chief officers shall be dispatched or noti‐ out(s), communications with all crew members, escape
fied to respond to all full alarm assignments. route(s), and safety zone(s) for vehicles and members.
5.7.2.2.4 The supervisory chief officer shall ensure that the 5.7.4.2 Direct Attack.
incident management system is established as required in Δ 5.7.4.2.1 The fire department shall have the capability to
Section 6.2. initiate a direct wildland attack within 10 minutes after arrival
of the initial crew at the fire scene.

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

ANNEX A 1710-17

Δ 5.7.4.2.2 One member in the first-arriving crew shall be abilities based on the community’s specific hazards and risks, to
assigned as the incident commander for the overall coordina‐ include at least the hazards specifically addressed in this stand‐
tion and direction of the direct attack activities. ard, for each member that is considered part of the effective
response force.
5.7.4.2.3 The direct wildland attack shall include the establish‐
ment of an effective water flow application rate of 30 gpm 6.3.3 The agency shall adopt training standards based on the
(114 L/min) from at least two 500 ft (150 m) 1½ in. (38 mm) cited hazards and risks, set performance objectives to achieve
diameter attack handlines from two engines. those standards, and demonstrate training and competency by
meeting the performance objectives.
5.7.4.2.4 Each attack handline shall be operated by a mini‐
mum of two members to deploy and maintain the line. 6.4 Communications Systems.
5.7.4.2.5 One operator shall remain with each fire apparatus 6.4.1 The fire department shall have a reliable communica‐
supplying water flow to ensure uninterrupted water flow appli‐ tions system to facilitate prompt delivery of public fire suppres‐
cation.
Δ 5.7.4.2.6 A wildland crew leader shall be provided with each
crew, to be responsible for overall supervision of each of the
sion, EMS, and special operations.
6.4.2 All communications facilities, equipment, staffing, oper‐
ating procedures, performance objectives, and reporting shall
L Y
crew members and for maintaining personnel accountability
and crew safety.
5.7.4.3 Indirect Attack.
5.7.4.3.1 The fire department providing wildland fire suppres‐
comply with NFPA 1221.

types of incidents.
O N
6.4.3 Operating procedures for radio communications shall
provide for the use of standard protocols and terminology at all

sion operations shall have the capability to deploy an indirect

attack, including application of water to the fire, engagement
in search and rescue and preservation of property, accountabil‐
ity for personnel, and provision of support activities for those
S E
6.4.4 Standard terminology, in compliance with NFPA 1561,
shall be established to transmit information, including strategic
modes of operation, situation reports, and emergency notifica‐
tions of imminent hazards.

•
situations that are beyond the capability of the direct attack.
5.7.5 Non-Wildland Emergencies.

L U
6.5* Pre-Incident Planning.
6.5.1 The fire department shall set forth operational require‐

A
5.7.5.1 Wildland crews that deploy to structure fire incidents ments to conduct pre-incident planning, in accordance with
shall meet the time performance objective requirements of NFPA 1620.

U
4.1.2.
6.5.2 Particular attention shall be provided to all target
5.7.5.2 Wildland crews that deploy to emergency medical inci‐ hazards.

•
dents shall meet the time performance objective requirements
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
of 4.1.2.
I D Annex A Explanatory Material

I
Chapter 6 Systems V Annex A is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document but is
included for informational purposes only. This annex contains explan‐

D
6.1 Safety and Health System. A fire-fighter occupational
atory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text para‐
graphs.

IN
safety and health program shall be provided in accordance with A.1.1 The standard includes minimum requirements that are
NFPA 1500. intended to provide effective, efficient, and safe protective serv‐
6.2* Incident Management System. ices that operate on a sound basis to prevent fires, reduce risk

O R
6.2.1 An incident management system shall be provided in
accordance with NFPA 1561 to form the basic structure of all
emergency operations of the fire department, regardless of the
to lives and property, deal with incidents that occur, and
prepare for anticipated incidents. It sets minimum standards
considered necessary for the provision of public fire protection
by career fire departments. It addresses the structure and oper‐

F scale of the department or the emergency.

6.2.2* An incident management system shall be designed to
manage incidents of different types, including structure fires,
wildland fires, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medi‐
cal operations, and other types of emergencies that could be
ation of organizations providing such services, including fire
suppression and other assigned emergency response responsi‐
bilities, which include EMS and special operations.
A.1.2.1 A fundamental concept of fire risk is associated with
modern society. Public fire service organizations are expected
encountered by the department. to reduce the risk within their areas of jurisdiction by taking
6.3 Training Systems. measures to prevent the outbreak of fires, limit the extent and
severity of fires, provide for the removal or rescue of endan‐
6.3.1 The fire department shall have a training program and gered persons, control and extinguish fires that occur within
policy that ensure that members are trained and competency is the jurisdiction, and perform other emergency response opera‐
maintained to execute all responsibilities consistent with the tions and delivery of EMS.
department’s organization and deployment as addressed in
Chapters 4 and 5. The cumulative effects of preventive efforts, risk reduction
and control, and fire suppression capabilities result in variable
6.3.2 The agency shall demonstrate in its annual report that it levels of risk to the jurisdictions and their residents.
has ensured competency for necessary knowledge, skills, and

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-18 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

The risk remaining after deducting the cumulative effect of A.3.3.4 Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle. The
the public fire service organization's efforts is the responsibility apparatus is typically equipped with a large water tank
of each individual, including owners, operators, occupants, and [commencing at 1000 gal (3800 L) and extending to over
casual visitors to properties. It should be noted that fire risk 6000 gal (22,800 L)]; a supply of fire-fighting extinguishing
cannot be completely avoided or eliminated. agents; remote-controlled large roof turret(s), extendable
turret nozzle(s), and bumper turret(s) (ground sweep nozzles)
A.1.4 Nothing in this standard is intended to prohibit the use that are used for the discharge of extinguishing agent; and pre-
of systems, methods, or approaches of equivalent or superior connected handlines.
performance to those prescribed by this standard. The equiva‐
lency statement contained in this standard allows jurisdictions A.3.3.5 Alarm. In some jurisdictions, an alarm is referred to
to use other “systems, methods, or approaches” to meet as an incident or call for service.
requirements of the standard if they can validate and docu‐
ment in writing that such are equal or superior to the require‐ N A.3.3.14 Community Risk Assessment. Community risk assess‐
ment begins with identification of the hazards present in the

Y
ments contained in the standard. This equivalency statement is
not intended to allow any jurisdiction or fire department to community. Given that a particular hazard exists in a commun‐

L
reduce the requirements in the standard and still claim compli‐ ity, the consequences of an emergency event (e.g., fire) in such
ance. Moreover, it specifically requires any jurisdiction relying a hazard are ultimately determined by the mitigation efforts. In

N
on “equivalent” systems, methods, or approaches to validate, other words, the consequences are the results of the combina‐
demonstrate, and document in writing that the standard is tion of the risk level of the hazard, the duration and nature of

O
equal or superior to the requirements contained in this stand‐ the event, property loss (e.g., building damage or collapse),
ard. personal injury or loss of life, economic losses, interruption of
business and related operations, and damage to the environ‐
The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) determines what
systems, methods, or approaches are equivalent or superior in
performance. The AHJ should approach the assessment by
reviewing the overall public fire protection and EMS system
(1)
S E
ment. These consequences are often grouped into the follow‐
ing four categories:
Human impacts (e.g., civilian and firefighter injuries and
deaths)
performance.
A.3.2.1 Approved. The National Fire Protection Association
does not approve, inspect, or certify any installations, proce‐
(2)

(3)
(4)
L U
Economic impacts (e.g., property loss — both direct and
indirect effects)
Psychological impacts (e.g., public confidence)
Functional impacts (e.g., continuity of operations)

A
dures, equipment, or materials; nor does it approve or evaluate
testing laboratories. In determining the acceptability of installa‐ A.3.3.15 Company. For fire suppression and other emergency

U
tions, procedures, equipment, or materials, the authority operations, in some jurisdictions, the response capability of the
having jurisdiction may base acceptance on compliance with initial arriving company is configured with two apparatus oper‐

D
NFPA or other appropriate standards. In the absence of such ating together. This can be a result of apparatus not being
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
standards, said authority may require evidence of proper instal‐
lation, procedure, or use. The authority having jurisdiction

V I
may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of an organi‐
configured with seated and belted positions for four members,
therefore requiring a second vehicle to carry additional person‐

I
nel. It can also be the result of the fire department’s SOPs,
zation that is concerned with product evaluations and is thus in which require two apparatus operating together to complete
a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards

D
the operational procedures. The objective is to ensure that a
for the current production of listed items. minimum of four personnel are assigned to and deployed as a

IN
A.3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The phrase company. The two (or more) pieces of apparatus would always
“authority having jurisdiction,” or its acronym AHJ, is used in be dispatched and respond together as a single company. Some
NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and examples of this include the following:
approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. Where

R
(1) A pumper and tanker/tender that would be responding
public safety is primary, the authority having jurisdiction may together outside a municipal water district
be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or indi‐ (2) A multiple-piece company, specified as such in a fire

O
vidual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire preven‐
tion bureau, labor department, or health department; building

F
official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory author‐
ity. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection depart‐
ment, rating bureau, or other insurance company
(3)
department’s SOPs, such as an engine or ladder company
that responds with a rescue unit, water tender, or other
type of apparatus
A company that consists of a pumper with an additional
vehicle as a personnel carrier
representative may be the authority having jurisdiction. In (4) A pumper and an ambulance or rescue unit that always
many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designa‐ respond together
ted agent assumes the role of the authority having jurisdiction;
at government installations, the commanding officer or depart‐ A.3.3.25.1 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting. Such rescue and
mental official may be the authority having jurisdiction. fire-fighting actions are performed both inside and outside of
the aircraft.
A.3.3.2.1 Automatic Aid. Automatic aid is established through
a written intergovernmental agreement that provides for the A.3.3.25.2 Marine Rescue and Fire Fighting. Marine compa‐
simultaneous dispatch of a predetermined response of person‐ nies can be utilized for special operations, including a platform
nel and equipment to a neighboring jurisdiction upon receipt for dive and scuba operations and for providing a secure water
of an alarm and is included as part of a communication supply for land-based operations.
center’s dispatch protocols.

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

ANNEX A 1710-19

A.3.3.27 Fire Suppression. Fire suppression includes all activi‐ A.3.3.53 Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC). The RIC reports
ties performed at the scene of a fire incident or training exer‐ directly to the incident commander or operations chief. This
cise that expose fire department members to the dangers of dedicated crew is not to be confused with the IRIC.
heat, flame, smoke, and other products of combustion, explo‐
sion, or structural collapse. [1500, 2018] A.3.3.58 Staff Aide. This member is assigned to a supervisory
chief officer who assists at incident scene operations, which can
A.3.3.29 First Responder (EMS). A first responder also assists include personnel accountability, communications, and other
higher level EMS providers. logistical and administrative support. In addition, this member
can assist in coordinating training activities, respond to citizen
N A.3.3.31 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE). Full-time equivalent inquiries, coordinate staffing issues and sick leave follow-up,
calculations for fire departments can vary based on the work and assign resource allocations for facilities and apparatus
week established for the department. Typical fire department under the supervisory chief officer's jurisdiction. Staff aides can
work weeks include, but are not limited to, 42-, 48-, and 56- be known as field incident technician, staff assistant, battalion
hour weeks. The weeks are calculated based on a seven-day

Y
fire fighter, or battalion adjutant.
period.

L
A.3.3.64.5 Initiating Action/Intervention Time. A benchmark
N A.3.3.33 Geographical Restriction. In this sense, a geographi‐ time frame isn't set to initiate a mitigating action or take other
cal restriction should be a condition, measure, or infrastruc‐

N
steps to intervene in resolving the issue that created the inci‐
ture design such as a railroad crossing, drawbridge, narrow dent. Fire departments should track these times based on their
street that is inaccessible by fire apparatus, traffic demand

O
SOPs and evaluate the data based on the nature of the inci‐
pattern, long supply line lay, or other similar circumstance that dent.
impedes an apparatus’ travel to an incident.

E
A.3.3.64.6 Total Response Time. A “cascade of events” chart,
A.3.3.34 Hazard. Hazards include the characteristics of facili‐ shown as Figure A.3.3.64.6, is provided to assist understanding
ties, equipment systems, property, hardware, or other objects;

S
the relationship between NFPA 1221, NFPA 1710, and Initiat‐
and the actions and inactions of people that create such ing Time/Intervention Time (currently not addressed by a
hazards.

U
single NFPA standard). Three phases are included in total
A.3.3.36 High-Hazard Occupancy. These occupancies include response time. They are as follows:

L
schools, hospitals, and other special medical facilities, nursing (1) Phase One — Alarm Handling Time, which includes
homes, high-risk residential occupancies, neighborhoods with alarm transfer time, alarm answering time, and alarm
structures in close proximity to one another, high-rise build‐
ings, explosives plants, refineries, and hazardous materials
occupancies.
A.3.3.38 Incident Management System (IMS). The system
U A (2)

(3)
processing time (addressed by NFPA 1221)
Phase Two — Turnout Time and Travel Time (addressed
by NFPA 1710)
Phase Three — Initiating Action/Intervention Time

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
should be consistent with NIMS and the National Response
Framework. The system is also referred to as an incident
I D A.4.1.1 The AHJ generally has the responsibility to determine
the following:
command system (ICS).

I V
A.3.3.44.2 Basic Life Support (BLS). Basic life support could
(1) Scope and level of service provided by the fire depart‐
ment

D
also include expediting the safe and timely transport of the (2) Necessary level of funding
patient to a hospital emergency department for definitive (3) Necessary level of personnel and resources, including

IN
medical care. facilities
A.3.3.46 Member. A fire department member can be a full- To provide service, the AHJ should have the power to levy
time or part-time employee or a paid or unpaid volunteer, can taxes or solicit funding, to own property and equipment, and

R
occupy any position or rank within the fire department, and to cover personnel costs. The authority necessary is conveyed
can engage in emergency operations. [1500, 2018] by law to a local jurisdiction.

F O
A.3.3.48.1 Company Officer. This person can be someone
appointed in an acting capacity. The rank structure could be
either sergeant, lieutenant, or captain.
A.3.3.48.3 Supervisory Chief Officer. The position of supervi‐
In addition, the governing body also should monitor the
achievement of the management goals of the department, such
as fire prevention, community life safety education, fire
suppression, employee training, communications, mainte‐
nance, and department administration.
sory chief officer is above that of a company officer, who
responds automatically and/or is dispatched to an alarm The organizational statement is a very important basis for
beyond the initial alarm capabilities, or other special calls. In many of the provisions of this standard. The statement sets
some jurisdictions, this is the rank of battalion chief, district forth the legal basis for operating a fire department, the organ‐
chief, deputy chief, assistant chief, or senior divisional officer izational structure of the fire department, number of members,
(U.K. fire service). training requirements, expected functions, and authorities and
responsibilities of various members or defined positions.
A.3.3.49.2 Special Operations. Special operations include
water rescue, extrication, hazardous materials, confined space A key point is to clearly set out the specific services the fire
entry, high-angle rescue, aircraft rescue and fire fighting, and department is authorized and expected to perform. Most fire
other operations requiring specialized training. [1500, 2018] departments are responsible to a governing body. The govern‐
ing body has the right and should assert its authority to set the
specific services and the limits of the services the fire depart‐
ment will provide. It also has the responsibility to furnish the

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-20 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

State of normalcy

Event initiation

Discovery of event

Alarm transfer time*

Alarm handling

Total response time

Alarm answering time time (NFPA 1221)

Alarm processing time

Turnout time (NFPA 1710)

Impacted by
fire department
Travel time
Initiate action/
intervention time
(NFPA 1710)

L Y
*If alarms are received directly at the fire department communication
Control and mitigate event

Recovery

State of normalcy O N
center and not transferred from a PSAP, alarm transfer time is zero.

FIGURE A.3.3.64.6 Cascade of Events Chart.

S E
necessary resources for delivery of the designated services. The
fire department should provide its governing body with a
specific description of each service, with options or alternatives
and an accurate analysis of the costs and resources needed for
L U
The documents that officially establish the fire department
as an identifiable organization are necessary to determine
specific responsibilities and to determine the parties responsi‐
ble for compliance with the provisions of this standard.
each service.
Such services could include structural fire fighting, wildland
fire fighting, airport/aircraft fire fighting, emergency medical
U A In many cases, these documents can be part of state laws, a
municipal charter, or an annual budget. In such cases, it would
be appropriate to make these existing documents part of the

ID
services, hazardous materials response, high-angle rescue, organizational statement, if applicable.
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
heavy rescue, and others.
A.4.1.2 There can be incidents or areas where the response

I V
Spelling out the specific parameters of services to be provi‐
ded allows the fire department to plan, staff, equip, train, and
deploy members to perform these duties. It also gives the
criteria are affected by circumstances such as response person‐
nel who are not on duty, unstaffed fire station facilities, natural
barriers, traffic congestion, insufficient water supply, and

D
governing body an accounting of the costs of services and
allows it to select those services it can afford to provide. Like‐
density of population or property. The reduced level of service
should be documented in the written organizational statement

IN
wise, the governing body should identify services it cannot by the percentage of incidents and geographical areas for
afford to provide and cannot authorize the fire department to which the total response time criteria are achieved.
deliver, or it should assign those services to another agency.
Additional service delivery performance objectives should be

O R
The factors that should be included in the AHJ’s risk assess‐
ment process include adopted building codes, required fire/
life safety related engineering controls, accepted service deliv‐
ery performance objectives, complexity of facilities, and occu‐
established by the AHJ for occupancies other than those identi‐
fied within the standard for benchmark single-family dwellings.
Factors to be considered include specific response areas (i.e.,
suburban, rural, and wilderness) and occupancy hazards.

F
pancy hazards (low, medium, and high) within the jurisdiction.
The fire department should be no different than any other
government agency that has the parameters of its authority and
services clearly defined by the governing body.
A.4.1.2.1(3) This service delivery requirement is intended to
have a fire department plan and situate its resources to consis‐
tently meet a 240-second travel time for the initial company fire
suppression response; for other than high-rise, a 480-second
travel time for the full alarm fire response assignment; and for
Legal counsel should be used to ensure that any statutory high-rise, a 610-second travel time for the full alarm fire
services and responsibilities are being met. response assignment.
The majority of public fire departments are established A.4.1.2.5.1 The evaluation of the fire department’s provided
under the charter provisions of their governing body or level of service needs to be performed against the AHJ’s estab‐
through the adoption of statutes. These acts define the legal lished service delivery performance objectives. These objectives
basis for operating a fire department, the mission of the organi‐ should be based on a jurisdictional risk assessment. The objec‐
zation, the duties that are authorized and expected to be
tives established within this standard are based on a 2000 ft2
performed, and the authority and responsibilities that are
assigned to certain members to direct the operations of the fire (186 m2), two-story, single-family home without a basement and
department. having no exposures. The AHJ’s response objectives should be
established based on numerous factors such as the circumstan‐

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

ANNEX A 1710-21

ces affecting response personnel, adopted building codes, A.5.2.2 For more information, see NFPA 1250; FEMA,
required fire/life safety-related engineering controls, accepted National Fire Academy, “Fire Risk Analysis: A Systems
turnout/travel times, complexity of facilities, and occupancy Approach”; and Phoenix, AZ, Fire Department, “Fire Depart‐
hazards within the jurisdiction. ment Evaluation System (FIREDAP).”
A.4.1.2.5.2 The collection of data is required to determine the A.5.2.2.2 For further information on companies, see 3.3.15
organization’s ability to meet its locally determined objectives and A.3.3.15.
and the performance objectives contained in the standard with
regard to emergency incidences (warning lights and sirens). Δ A.5.2.2.2.1 Important elements in limiting fire spread are the
Organizations respond to numerous types of emergency and quick arrival of sufficient personnel and equipment to attack
nonemergency incidents. While the collection and analysis of and extinguish the fire as close to the point of its origin as
all of the response data is important, attainment of the possible. For more information, see the National Fire Acade‐
90 percent objective is only to be evaluated against emergency my’s “Fire Risk Analysis: A Systems Approach,” and, from the
Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, Shaping the Future of Fire

Y
incident responses.
Ground Staffing and Delivery Systems Within a Comprehensive Fire

L
A.4.4.2 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Safety Effectiveness Model. For additional information see the
(OSHA) regulations require that all fire departments be Underwriters Laboratory Firefighter Safety Research Institute’s

N
trained to respond to hazardous materials incidents at the first website at www.ulfirefightersafety.org; as well as NIST Technical
responder operations level. Note 1797, April 2013; and NIST Technical Note 1661, April

O
2010.
Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act of 1986 (SARA), known as the Emergency Planning and The ability of adequate fire suppression forces to signifi‐
Community Right-to-Know Act, established requirements for

E
cantly influence the outcome of a structure fire is undeniable
federal, state, and local governments and industrial facilities and predictable. Data generated by NFPA and used by the

S
regarding emergency planning for spills or other releases, committee in developing this standard provide empirical data
community right-to-know, and reporting of hazardous and that rapid and aggressive interior attack can substantially

U
toxic chemicals. reduce the human and property losses associated with structure
fires [see Table A.5.2.2.2.1].
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know
Act covers the following four major areas that provide the fire
service and communities with a broad perspective on the chem‐
ical hazards within the local area and those at individual facili‐
ties:
A L
A.5.2.2.2.3 The assignment of specific response districts to
command officers should be based on the number of compa‐
nies, workload, and response distances. Department adminis‐
trative procedures should indicate clearly the jurisdiction of
(1)
(2)
Sections 301 through 303 — emergency planning
Section 304 — emergency release notification
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} D U command officers.
A.5.2.2.2.5 For further information on staff aides, see 3.3.58
(3)

(4)
ing requirements
Section 313 — toxic chemical release inventory

V I
Sections 311 and 312 — community right-to-know report‐ and A.3.3.58.
A.5.2.4.1.1 The hazards presented by this scenario are not

D I
A.4.8.1 Where appropriate, the mutual aid agreement should
include automatic responses on first alarms (automatic aid).
This concept contemplates joint response of designated appa‐
unusual, as all communities respond to fire incidents in this
type of structure on a regular basis.
A.5.2.4.2.1 The open-air strip shopping center represents

IN
ratus and personnel on a predetermined running assignment more than 67 percent of types of shopping centers, as de‐
basis. scribed by the International Council of Shopping Centers
(ICSC). The ICSC describes these centers as “usually config‐
Mutual aid concepts should be considered on a regional ured in a straight line as a strip, or may be laid out in an L or U

O R
basis. In an effective mutual aid arrangement, each fire depart‐
ment should retain reserves of personnel and apparatus. Tradi‐
tionally and legally, overall command of the incident is vested
with the senior officer of the jurisdiction experiencing the
shape, depending on the site and design. They consist of an
attached row of stores or service outlets managed as a coherent
retail entity, with on-site parking usually located in front of the
stores. Open canopies may connect the store fronts, but a strip

F emergency.
Some areas use consolidated dispatching to coordinate the
response of fire companies to assist an outside fire department.
The management of responses can be made easier by utilizing
center does not have enclosed walkways linking the stores. The
open air strip shopping center may contain between five and
40 stores of varying occupancy types and hazards with three or
more being larger, anchor stores such as a discount store,
supermarket, drug, or large specialty discount store.”
computerization, “running cards,” and other advance plan‐
ning. Δ A.5.2.4.4 See NIST Technical Note 1797, Report on High-Rise
A.5.2 Suppression capability is an expression of how much Fireground Field Experiments, for more information.
fire-fighting power can be put into action when there is a fire. N A.5.2.4.5 Some examples of a suspected fire condition could
It includes the amount of apparatus, equipment, and person‐ be, but are not limited to, additional calls reporting smoke and
nel available; the time needed to respond and place equipment odor of something burning. Also, examples of multiple detec‐
in action; the water supply; the application of strategy and tion signals could be, but are not limited to, heat detection,
tactics; the level of training; and all of the components that add smoke detection, and water flow detection.
up to effective fireground operations.

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-22 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Δ Table A.5.2.2.2.1 Loss Rates by Fire Spread in 2012–2016 A.5.2.4.6.2 Once units arrive, or a determination is made that
Home Structure Fires other resources are required, additional alarms should be
called for and dispatched. Departments should have predeter‐
Rate per 1000 Fires mined procedures for additional alarms. Many departments
Average send the same number and type of units on the second alarm
Civilian Civilian Dollar Loss as on the first alarm. Incident commanders can always request
Flame Spread Deaths Injuries per Fire unique resources when required. Many departments will only
Confined fires or 0.0 8.7 $200 be able to handle additional alarms through automatic or
mutual aid agreements that have been previously established.
contained fire
identified by incident A.5.3 An EMS system is defined as a comprehensive, coordina‐
type* ted arrangement of resources and functions that are organized
Confined fire or fire 0.4 11.1 $1,200 to respond in a timely, staged manner to medical emergencies,

Y
spread confined to regardless of their cause. The term system can be applied locally
object of origin or at the state, provincial, or national level. The fundamental
Confined to room of
origin, including
confined fires and
fires confined to object
1.8 23.8 $4,000 functions of an EMS system are the following:
(1)
(2)
(3)
System organization and management
Medical direction
Human resources and training
N L
Spread beyond the
room of origin but
16.2 76.3 $35,000 (4)
(5)
Communications
Emergency response
O
E
confined to floor of (6) Transportation
origin (7) Care facilities
Spread beyond the floor
of origin
24.6

Note: Homes include one- and two-family homes (including

55.0

manufactured housing) and apartments or other multifamily housing.

$65,900 (8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
Quality assurance

S
Public information and education

U
Disaster medical services
Research

L
(12) Special populations
These statistics are national estimates based on fires reported to local
U.S. fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to federal or A.5.3.2 The following four functions do not necessarily exist
state agencies. National estimates are projections. Casualty and loss
projections can be heavily influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of
one unusually serious fire. Property damage has not been adjusted for
inflation.
U A as separate elements in a particular system:
(1) The first responding unit can be an advanced life support
(ALS) ambulance that can provide ALS treatment and

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
* The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) has six

I D
categories of confined structure fires: cooking fires confined to the
(2)
ambulance transportation.
The first responding unit can be a fire suppression unit
that can provide both initial and advanced-level medical

V
cooking vessel; confined chimney or flue fires; confined incinerator
care.

D I
fires; confined fuel burner or boiler fires,including delayed ignitions;
confined commercial compactor fires; and trash or rubbish fires in a
structure with no flame damage to the structure or its contents.
Source: NFIRS and NFPA annual fire experience survey.
(3)

(4)
ALS can be provided by the ambulance or by an addi‐
tional fire suppression unit or a unit that is dedicated to
ALS response only.
The system might not have ALS treatment capability —

IN
only a fire apparatus with fire fighters trained as first
Δ A.5.2.4.6.1 Other occupancies and structures in the commun‐ responder AED can respond.
ity that present greater hazards should be addressed by addi‐

R
A.5.5.6.2 The U.S. Air Force has defined the areas involved in
tional fire fighter functions and additional responding
the emergency within 75 ft (23 m) of the aircraft as immedi‐
personnel on the initial full alarm assignment. The NFPA Fire
ately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
groups:
(1)
F O
Protection Handbook categorizes occupancies in three broad

High-hazard occupancies: schools, hospitals, nursing

homes, explosives plants, refineries, high-rise buildings,
and other high life hazard or large fire potential occu‐
A.5.6 For additional information on marine fire fighting, see
NFPA 1405.
A.5.6.5.1 For additional information on marine rescue and
fire-fighting vessels, see NFPA 1925.
pancies
(2) Medium-hazard occupancies: apartments, offices, A.5.7.4.1.2 A system developed by Chief Paul Gleason of the
mercantile, and industrial occupancies not normally United States Forest Service addresses specific mandatory fire
requiring extensive rescue or fire-fighting forces orders in a system termed LCES, which stands for lookout(s),
(3) Low-hazard occupancies: one-, two- or three-family dwell‐ communication(s), escape route(s), and safety zone(s). These
ings and scattered small businesses and industrial occu‐ four items are to be implemented as an integrated system by a
pancies single resource unit, a strike team, or a full assignment. The
implementation of LCES is a minimum safety requirement
In determining the initial responding force to these occu‐ prior to the initiation of any wildland fire-fighting operations.
pancies, AHJs must consider the additional potential of fire
spread, types of combustibles, increased life hazard, and vari‐ A.6.2 Emergency incidents can involve operations that vary
ous tasks that must be accomplished to achieve their mission. considerably in their complexity and scale. The control of
these incidents depends on the planned, systematic implemen‐
tation of an effective fireground organization to accomplish

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

ANNEX B 1710-23

identified objectives. Every fire department, regardless of size, Detailed guidance on conducting a CRR plan is provided in
needs a proper system to regulate and direct emergency forces Annex B of NFPA 1730.
and equipment at both routine and major incidents. The inci‐
dent management system forms the basic structure of opera‐ For other documents on community risk assessment and
tions, regardless of scale. An effective system is designed to community risk reduction, see: Fire Service Deployment: Assessing
manage incidents of different types, including structure fires, Community Vulnerability, Urban Fire Forum; ISO Fire Suppression
wildland fires, hazardous materials incidents, and medical and Rating Schedule; Community Risk Assessment: Standards of Cover; IFE
other emergencies. V2020 CRR 2009 Project Report; IFE V2020 CRR Symposium Report;
and Washington Association of State Fire Marshals CRR Project
A.6.2.2 Unlike fire incidents where command is normally Report.
predicated by rank structure, EMS patient care is based on stat‐
utory recognition of the member with the highest level of B.1.1 This annex addresses the need for fire departments to
medical certification. The recommendation is that depart‐ develop an overall “defense-in-depth” strategy for the delivery
of fire services. The development of such a strategy should

Y
ments adopt protocols that define the degree of both member
and nonmember involvement in direct patient care based on include an assessment of the tools available to the fire service

L
local standards, medical control, and statutory requirements. for accomplishing the goals of fire safety.
B.1.2 Fire safety objectives can be defined as those ideas that a

N
A.6.5 For additional information, see NFPA 1620.
department aspires to deliver. For example, fire department
objectives could include such statements as “Maintain injuries
Δ Annex B Community-Wide Risk Assessment Model
This annex is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document
O
and life/property losses as low as reasonably achievable
(community and department).” The accomplishment of this
objective should not be left to fire-fighting operations alone.
but is included for information purposes only.
Δ B.1 This model is an example of how a community-wide risk
assessment plan can be used to protect both citizens and prop‐
S E
See Figure B.1.2 for fire safety concepts.
B.1.3 Fire prevention is not simply preventing fire. It is the
systematic application of codes, standard, engineering princi‐

U
erty. While NFPA 1710 is scoped to focus strictly on deploy‐
ment, staffing, and service levels, it is one component of a total ples, and an understanding of human behavior to achieve the
community fire protection planning process. An AHJ can objective of limiting the loss of life and property.
determine other components that could reduce the risks of fire
and adopt stronger building and fire prevention codes, enforce
those more vigorously, and enhance public life safety education
A L
B.1.3.1 As outlined in NFPA 1, fire prevention includes egress,
construction design, building services, fire protection, and
occupancy. All of these elements work together to provide the

U
components. This model is included for that purpose. Figure occupants and fire department personnel with a level of fire
B.1 illustrates a fire department process map. safety not otherwise available.

analyze community risks to assist in the development and

I D
Chapter 5 of NFPA 1730 establishes a process to identify and
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} B.1.3.2 By ensuring that each of these elements is balanced,
the fire department can maintain a reasonable level of risk for

V
implementation of a community risk reduction (CRR) plan. the community and the department.

D I Fire Safety Objectives

IN
1. Protect personnel 3. Ensure community safety
2. Protect property 4. Provide emergency response

O R Requirements
• National fire codes
• State fire codes
• Strategic planning
• Policies and procedures
Management
• Vendor relationship
• Fire response
Assessment
• Corrective action program
• Self-assessments

F • Local ordinance
• Insurer requirements
• Professional development
• Interfaces
• Organization structure
• Quality assessment program
• Information technology
• Performance indicators
• Internal/external audits
• Benchmarking

Core Activities —Fire Risk Assessment

Fire Prevention Education/Enforcement Fire Impact Management

• Building design • Determine needs • Protect personnel
• Building services • Conduct inspections • Protect structure
• Occupancy • Provide education • Protect community
• Fire/safety inspections • Take enforcement action

Δ FIGURE B.1 Fire Department Process Map.

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-24 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Fire Safety Objectives

Fire prevention Manage fire

Building Public education Internal fires External fires

General public Protect Protect Protect

Design Building services Occupancy
Bldg owners personnel structure structure

Noncombustible
construction
Fire protection
features
Specification
and
maintenance
Use matches
design
K–12
Special population
Bldg occupants
Bldg managers
L Y
Fire safety
inspections
Fire safety
inspections

O N
FIGURE B.1.2 Fire Safety Concepts for Fire Department Operations.

B.1.3.3 To provide risk management, the fire department

S E
most likely to provide the lowest risk levels and therefore are

U
must utilize all of the tools available. In order of preference, the least difficult to manage.
those tools are as follows:
B.1.4.2 Fire-fighting operations on fully compliant structures

L
(1) Fire-safe design and construction for which the fire fighters know the occupancy conditions can
(2) Suppression systems be conducted with a plan that commits resources only as neces‐
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Detection systems
Occupant fire prevention practices
Fire department-conducted fire-safety inspections
Fire rescue response
U A sary to accomplish the pre-established goals.
B.1.4.3 Pre-established goals for each structure define the
commitment of resources in order to limit risk to occupants,

ID
the structure, and fire department personnel.
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
B.1.3.4 A structure designed and constructed to withstand the
effects of fire is the most important asset in achieving fire risk N B.1.5 Decision Algorithms.

V
management. A structure relying solely on fire rescue response

I
offers the greatest challenge to the occupants and fire depart‐
ment personnel.
N B.1.5.1 Based on the geographic composition of the response
district, the AHJ should take into account any geographic

D
restrictions or areas of geographic isolation when determining
B.1.4 Fire impact management is the ability to manage the response times and responding apparatus. (See Figure B.1.5.1.)

IN
impact of a fire on occupants and structures. The participation N B.1.5.2 Along with taking into account any geographical
of the fire department in the design, construction, mainte‐ restrictions, the AHJ also has to develop an algorithm to
nance, and use of a structure provides defense-in-depth against address the deployment of staff based on the initial alarm size
fire losses.

R
as well as the known hazards/risks that will be encountered.
B.1.4.1 Structures that are designed with noncombustible (See Figure B.1.5.2.)

O
construction, are protected with fire protection systems, and
are routinely inspected to ensure appropriate occupant use are

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

ANNEX B 1710-25

NFPA 1710
Decision Tree

Dense urban Urban Suburban Rural

Initial full Geographic Geographic Geographic

First engine: First truck: No No No
alarm: restriction restriction restriction
4 min 6 min restriction restriction restriction
8 min or isolation or isolation or isolation

Y
Engine crew Truck crew First engine: First truck: Initial full
size: 5 size: 6 4 min 6 min alarm:

Engine crew
size: 5
Truck crew
size: 5
8 min

N L
N FIGURE B.1.5.1 Decision Algorithm.
O
S E
Low Medium High
L U
risk/hazard risk/hazard

U A risk/hazard

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
Minimum crew size
Engine: 4 on duty
Minimum crew size

V
Engine: 4 on duty
ID High-volume
geographic
Tactical hazards
dense urban area

I
Truck: 4 on duty Truck: 4 on duty restrictions

D
IN
Initial alarm deployment Initial alarm Minimum crew size Minimum crew size
Effective response force: deployment Engine: 5 on duty Engine: 6 on duty
15 fire fighters Truck: 5 on duty Truck: 6 on duty

O R Effective response force:

28 fire fighters with aerial
Effective response force:
27 fire fighters
Initial alarm
deployment

F EMS crew size

Minimum: First responder/AED
ALS: 2 EMT-P and 2 BLS
Effective response force:
43 fire fighters
with building fire pump
Effective response force:
42 fire fighters

N FIGURE B.1.5.2 Deployment Algorithm.

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-26 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

N Annex C NFPA 1710 at a Glance N C.4.2 Given expected fire-fighting conditions, the number of
This annex is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document on-duty members should be determined through task analysis
but is included for information purposes only. considering the following criteria:
(1) Life hazard protected population
N C.1 Fire Suppression and Special Operations Provisions. The (2) Safe and effective performance
term company is defined as a group of members who are: (3) Potential property loss
(1) Under direct supervision (4) Hazard levels of properties
(2) Trained and equipped to perform assigned tasks (5) Fireground tactics employed
(3) Organized and identified as engine, ladder, rescue,
squad, or multifunctional companies N C.5 Company Staffing (Crew Size) On Duty.
(4) Operating at the scene with one apparatus Engine: 4 minimum
N C.2 Exception. An exception to a company arriving on one High-volume/geographic restrictions: 5 minimum
apparatus is as follows:
(1) Multiple apparatuses are assigned, dispatched, and arrive
together.
Tactical hazards dense urban area: 6 minimum
Truck: 4 minimum
L Y
(2)
(3)
The apparatuses continuously operate together.
The apparatuses are managed by a single officer.
An initial alarm is personnel, equipment, and resources ordi‐
narily dispatched upon notification of a structure fire.
High-volume/geographic restrictions: 5 minimum
Tactical hazards dense urban area: 6 minimum

O N
N C.5.1 Initial alarm deployment (number of firefighters includ‐
N C.3 Performance Objectives.
N C.3.1 Alarm answering time:
ing officers):
Low hazard: 15
Medium hazard: 28
S E
U
15 sec (95 percent)
40 sec (99 percent) High hazard: 43

N C.3.2 Alarm processing time:

64 sec (90 percent)
A L
N C.6 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Provisions. The fire
department should clearly document its role, responsibilities,
functions, and objectives for the delivery of EMS. EMS opera‐
tions should be organized to ensure the fire department’s capa‐
106 sec (95 percent)
N C.3.3 Turnout time:
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} D U bility and includes members, equipment, and resources to
deploy the initial-arriving company and additional alarm

I
assignments.
60 sec EMS
N C.6.1 EMS treatment levels include the following:
80 sec Fire
N C.3.4 First-arriving engine on scene time:
I V (1)
(2)
First responder
Basic life support (BLS)
240 sec (4 min)
D (3) Advanced life support (ALS)

IN
N C.6.2 Minimum EMS provision is same as first responder/
N C.3.5 Second-arriving company on scene time: AED.
300 sec (5 min) The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) should determine if

R
N C.3.6 Initial full alarm (low and medium hazard) time: the fire department provides BLS, ALS, and/or transport.
Patient treatment associated with each level of EMS should be
480 sec (8 min)

O
determined by the AHJ based on requirements and licensing
N C.3.7 Initial full alarm — high hazard/high-rise time: within each state/province.

F
610 sec (10 min 10 sec)
N C.4 Fire Department Response to Certain Incidents.
N C.4.1 Fire departments should set forth criteria for various
On-duty EMS units should be staffed with the minimum
number of members necessary for emergency medical care
relative to the level of EMS provided by the fire department.
N C.6.3 Personnel deployed to ALS emergency responses must
types of incidents to which they are required/expected to include the following:
respond. These types of incidents should include, but not be (1) A minimum of two members trained at the emergency
limited to, the following: medical technician–paramedic level
(1) Natural disasters (2) Two members trained at the BLS level arriving on scene
(2) Acts of terrorism within the established travel time
(3) Weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
(4) Large-scale mass casualties

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

ANNEX E 1710-27

All fire departments with ALS services should have a named Annex E Informational References
medical director with the responsibility to oversee and ensure
quality medical care in accordance with state or provincial laws E.1 Referenced Publications. The documents or portions
or regulations, and must have a mechanism for immediate thereof listed in this annex are referenced within the informa‐
communication with EMS supervision and medical oversight. tional sections of this standard and are not part of the require‐
ments of this document unless also listed in Chapter 2 for
N C.7 Other Factors. The following factors should also be taken other reasons.
into consideration:
(1) RIC and IRIC Δ E.1.1 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Associa‐
(2) Geographic isolation tion, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2018 edition.
N Annex D Response Objectives NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use
This annex is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document
but is included for information purposes only.
N D.1 General. Documenting the benchmarks and response
of Emergency Services Communications Systems, 2019 edition.
NFPA 1250, Recommended Practice in Fire and Emergency Service
Organization Risk Management, 2015 edition.
L Y
objectives that make up NFPA 1710 is crucial to capturing and
tracking data that would be helpful in ensuring the necessary
allocation of resources. (See Figure D.1.)
to Marine Vessel Fires, 2016 edition.

O N
NFPA 1405, Guide for Land-Based Fire Departments That Respond

NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, 2015 edition.

E
NFPA 1730, Standard on Organization and Deployment of Fire
Prevention Inspection and Code Enforcement, Plan Review, Investiga‐

S
tion, and Public Education Operations, 2019 edition.

U
Alarm answer Alarm processing
NFPA 1925, Standard on Marine Fire-Fighting Vessels, 2018
15 sec 95% of the time 64 sec 95% of the time
edition.

L
or or Fire Protection Handbook, 20th edition, 2008.
40 sec 99% of the time 106 sec 99% of the time

U A E.1.2 Other Publications.

Δ E.1.2.1 CPSE Publications. Center for Public Safety Excel‐
lence, Inc., 4501 Singer Court, Suite 180, Chantilly, VA 20151.

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
Turnout
Fire: 80 sec
I D
First-due engine
240 sec (4 min)
Community Risk Assessment: Standards of Cover, 6th edition,
2016.
EMS: 60 sec

I V 90% of the time E.1.2.2 FEMA Publications. Federal Emergency Management

Agency, 500 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20472.

D Second-due engine
“Fire Risk Analysis: A Systems Approach,” NFA-SM-FRAS,
National Emergency Training Center, National Fire Academy,

IN
360 sec (6 min) July 20, 1984.
90% of the time
Δ E.1.2.3 NIST Publications. National Institute of Standards
and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1070, Gaithersburg,

O R Initial full alarm

MD 20899.
NIST Technical Note 1661, Report on Residential Fireground
Field Experiments, April 2010.

F Low/medium hazard
480 sec (8 min)
High hazard
610 sec (10 min 10 sec)
NIST Technical Note 1797, Report on High-Rise Fireground Field
Experiments, April 2013.
E.1.2.4 U.S. Government Publications. U.S. Government
Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington,
90% of the time 90% of the time DC 20401-0001.
Title 42, U.S. Code, Chapter 116, “Emergency Planning and
N FIGURE D.1 Response Objectives. Community Right-to-Know Act,” 2010.
N E.1.2.5 Vision 20/20 Publications. Vision 20/20, 35 Horner
Street, Suite 120, Warrenton, VA 20186.
IFE V2020 Community Risk Reduction (CRR) 2009 Project Report.
IFE V2020 Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Symposium Report.

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-28 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Δ E.1.2.6 Other Publications. NFPA 1710 Explainer Video, https://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=f42S9TRc634.
“Basic Trauma Life Support for Paramedics and Other
Providers,” American College of Emergency Physicians, John Δ E.2.6 ICMA Publications. International City/County Manage‐
Campbell (ed), 1997. ment Association, 777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 500,
Washington, DC 20002-4201.
Gerard, John C., and Jacobsen, A. Terry, “Reduced Staffing:
At What Cost?,” Fire Service Today, pp. 15–21, September 1981. “Managing Fire and Rescue Services,” June 2002.
Fire Service Deployment: Assessing Community Vulnerability, “Interim Report of the Tricom Consortium.”
Urban Fire Forum, 2011.
E.2.7 IFSTA/FPP Publications. IFSTA/FPP, 930 N. Willis,
ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule. Stillwater, OK 74078.
Shaping the Future of Fire Ground Staffing and Delivery Systems “Systems Approach to Managing Fire and Life Safety Serv‐
within a Comprehensive Fire Safety Effectiveness Model, Office of the
Ontario Fire Marshal, 1993.
Washington Association of State Fire Marshals CRR Project Report.
ices,” Dennis Compton.
Δ E.2.8 ISO Publications. Insurance Services Office Customer
Service Division, 150 West 30th Street, Suite 1101, New York,
L Y
E.2 Informational References. The following documents or
portions thereof are listed here as informational resources
only. They are not a part of the requirements of this document.
E.2.1 AMA Publications. American Medical Association, AMA
NY 10001.

Rating Schedule.
O N
“Public Protection Classification Service”; Fire Suppression

E
N E.2.9 UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333
Plaza, 330 N. Wabash Avenue, Suite 39300, Chicago, IL Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, www.ul.com.

S
60611-5885.
https://ulfirefightersafety.org/docs/Analysis_of_Chang‐
“Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and ing_Residential_Fire_Dynamics_and_Its_Implications_on_Fire‐
Emergency Cardiac Care.” 1992. Journal of the American Medical
Association, 268(16) (October 28).
N E.2.2 CPSE Publications. Center for Public Safety Excellence,
L U
fighter_Operational_Timeframes.pdf.
https://ulfirefightersafety.org/research-projects/impact-of-
fire-attack-on-firefighter-safety-and-occupant-survival.html.
Inc., 4501 Singer Court, Suite 180, Chantilly, VA 20151.
Fire and Emergency Service Self-Assessment Manuals (FESSAM),
9th edition, Commission on Fire Accreditation International,
(CFAI), 2015.
U A E.2.10 U.S. Government Publications. U.S. Government
Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington,
DC 20401-0001.

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
E.2.3 Government Accounting Standards Board. Government
Accounting Standards Board, 401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116,
I D “Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support,” American College of
Surgeons, Paturaas, Wertz and McSwain (eds), 1999.

Norwalk, CT 06856-5116.

I
Δ E.2.4 IAFC/IAFF Publications. International Association of V “Pediatric Advanced Life Support,” American Heart Associa‐
tion, Besson (ed), 1997.

D
Fire Chiefs/International Association of Fire Fighters. Interna‐
tional Association of Fire Chiefs, 4025 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite
Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.120,
“Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.”

IN
300, Fairfax, VA 22033-2868. International Association of Fire Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.156, “Fire
Fighters, 1750 New York Avenue, Suite 300, NW, Washington, Brigades.”
DC 20006-5395.

R
E.2.11 Other Publications.
NFPA 1710 Implementation Guide, August 2002.
“Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and
Δ E.2.5 IAFF Publications. International Association of Fire

DC 20006. O
Fighters, 1750 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington,

F
Emergency Medical Services, A Guidebook for Fire-Based Systems,
4th edition.
Injured,” American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons,
Browner (ed), 1999.
“Fire Department Evaluation System (FIREDAP),” Phoenix,
AZ Fire Department, December 1991.
“Performance Measurement and Benchmarking Project,”
Fire Department Based EMS Whitepaper, http:// Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, 2003.
www.iaff.org/tech/PDF/FB%20EMS%20Whitepaper
%20FINAL%20July%205%202007%20.pdf. E.3 References for Extracts in Informational Sections.
“Fire Service Deployment: Assessing Community Vulnerabil‐ NFPA 1500™, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety
ity,”High-Rise Implementation Guide, second edition. and Health Program, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1710 Summary Sheet, http://services.prod.iaff.org/

ContentFile/Get/30541.

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

INDEX 1710-29

Index
Copyright © 2019 National Fire Protection Association. All Rights Reserved.

The copyright in this index is separate and distinct from the copyright in the document that it indexes. The licensing provi‐
sions set forth for the document are not applicable to this index. This index may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any
means without the express written permission of NFPA.

-A- -C-
Administration, Chap. 1 Career Fire Department
Application, 1.3 Definition, 3.3.13
Equivalency, 1.4, A.1.4 Community Risk Assessment
Purpose, 1.2 Definition, 3.3.14, A.3.3.14
Scope, 1.1, A.1.1
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Definition, 3.3.1
Community-Wide Risk Assessment Model, Annex B
Company
Definition, 3.3.15, A.3.3.15
L Y
Aid
Automatic Aid
Definition, 3.3.2.1, A.3.3.2.1
Definition, 3.3.2
Company Officer
Definition, 3.3.16
Crew
Definition, 3.3.17
O N
Mutual Aid
Definition, 3.3.2.2
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
Definition, 3.3.3
Definitions, Chap. 3
Dense Urban
S E -D-

Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle

Definition, 3.3.4, A.3.3.4
Alarm

L U
Definition, 3.3.18

Emergency Incident
-E-

A
Definition, 3.3.5, A.3.3.5
Alarm Answering Time Definition, 3.3.19

U
Definition, 3.3.6 Emergency Medical Care
Alarm Handling Time Definition, 3.3.20
Definition, 3.3.7
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
Alarm Processing Time

I D Emergency Operations
Definition, 3.3.21
Explanatory Material, Annex A

V
Definition, 3.3.8
Alarm Transfer Time
Definition, 3.3.9
Apparatus
Definition, 3.3.10
D I Fire Alarm Signal Notification
Definition, 3.3.22
-F-

IN
Fire Apparatus Fire Apparatus
Definition, 3.3.10.1 Definition, 3.3.23
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus (Tanker, Tender) Fire Department Member

O R Definition, 3.3.10.2
Quint Apparatus
Definition, 3.3.10.3
Definition, 3.3.24
Fire Department Services, Chap. 5
Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF) Services, 5.5
Deployment, 5.5.4

F
Specialized Apparatus
Definition, 3.3.10.4 Emergency Operations, 5.5.6
Approved Staffing, 5.5.5
Definition, 3.2.1, A.3.2.1 Emergency Medical Services (EMS), 5.3, A.5.3
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) EMS System Functions, 5.3.3
Definition, 3.2.2, A.3.2.2 Service Delivery Deployment, 5.3.3.3
Automatic Aid Staffing, 5.3.3.2
Definition, 3.3.11 Quality Management, 5.3.4
Fire Department Medical Personnel Review, 5.3.4.2
-B- Medical Director Review, 5.3.4.3
Basic Life Support (BLS) System Components, 5.3.2, A.5.3.2
Definition, 3.3.12 Training Levels, 5.3.2.2
Treatment Levels, 5.3.2.1
Fire Suppression Services, 5.2, A.5.2

2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-30 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Deployment, 5.2.4 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

Additional Alarm Assignments, 5.2.4.6 Definition, 3.3.31, A.3.3.31
Apartment Initial Full Alarm Assignment
Capability, 5.2.4.3 -G-
Fire Alarm Notification Assignment, 5.2.4.5, A.5.2.4.5 Geographical Isolation
High-Rise Initial Full Alarm Assignment Definition, 3.3.32
Capability, 5.2.4.4, A.5.2.4.4 Geographical Restriction
Open-Air Strip Shopping Center Initial Full Alarm Definition, 3.3.33, A.3.3.33
Assignment Capability, 5.2.4.2
Single-Family Dwelling Initial Full Alarm Assignment -H-
Capability, 5.2.4.1
Hazard
Fire Suppression Capability, 5.2.1
Definition, 3.3.34, A.3.3.34
Operating Units, 5.2.3
Emergency Medical Care, 5.2.3.6
Engine Companies, 5.2.3.1
Fire Companies with Quint Apparatus, 5.2.3.4
Hazardous Material
Definition, 3.3.35
High-Hazard Occupancy
L Y
N
Definition, 3.3.36, A.3.3.36
Ladder/Truck Companies, 5.2.3.2
Mobile Water Supply Tanker/Tender, 5.2.3.5

O
-I-
Other Types of Companies, 5.2.3.3
Incident Commander
Staffing, 5.2.2, A.5.2.2
Definition, 3.3.37
Marine Rescue and Fire-Fighting (MRFF) Services, 5.6, A.5.6
Operating Units, 5.6.5
Response Plan, 5.6.2
Staffing, 5.6.4
Incident Management System (IMS)

Incident Safety Officer

S
Definition, 3.3.38, A.3.3.38
E
Numbers of On-Duty Marine Personnel, 5.6.4.1
Organization of On-Duty Members, 5.6.4.2
Purpose, 5.1

L U
Definition, 3.3.39
Informational References, Annex E
Initial Full Alarm Assignment
Definition, 3.3.40

A
Special Operations Response, 5.4
Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC)
Wildland Fire Suppression Services, 5.7
Definition, 3.3.41
Deployment, 5.7.4
Direct Attack, 5.7.4.2
Indirect Attack, 5.7.4.3
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} D U Initiating Action/Intervention Time
Definition, 3.3.42

I
Intergovernmental Agreement
Required Number of Vehicles, 5.7.4.1
Definition, 3.3.43

V
Non-Wildland Emergencies, 5.7.5
Operating Units, 5.7.3
Other Types of Crews, 5.7.3.3
Organization, 5.7.1
Staffing, 5.7.2
D I Life Support
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
-L-

IN
Definition, 3.3.44.1
Additional Staffing, 5.7.2.3
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Fire Fighting
Definition, 3.3.44.2, A.3.3.44.2
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting

R
Definition, 3.3.44
Definition, 3.3.25.1, A.3.3.25.1
Definition, 3.3.25 -M-

F O
Marine Rescue and Fire Fighting
Definition, 3.3.25.2, A.3.3.25.2
Structural Fire Fighting
Definition, 3.3.25.3
Marine Rescue and Fire Fighting
Definition, 3.3.45
Member
Definition, 3.3.46, A.3.3.46
Fire Protection Mutual Aid
Definition, 3.3.26 Definition, 3.3.47
Fire Suppression
Definition, 3.3.27, A.3.3.27 -N-
First Responder (EMS) NFPA 1710 at a Glance, Annex C
Definition, 3.3.29, A.3.3.29 Company Staffing (Crew Size) On Duty, C.5
First-Due Response Zone Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Provisions, C.6
Definition, 3.3.28 Exception, C.2
Forcible Entry Fire Department Response to Certain Incidents, C.4
Definition, 3.3.30 Fire Suppression and Special Operations Provisions, C.1

2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

INDEX 1710-31

Other Factors, C.7 Special Operations

Performance Objectives, C.3 Definition, 3.3.56
Specialized Apparatus
-O- Definition, 3.3.57
Officer Staff Aide
Company Officer Definition, 3.3.58, A.3.3.58
Definition, 3.3.48.1, A.3.3.48.1 Standard
Definition, 3.3.48 Definition, 3.2.5
Incident Safety Officer Standard Operating Procedure
Definition, 3.3.48.2 Definition, 3.3.59
Supervisory Chief Officer Structural Fire Fighting
Definition, 3.3.48.3, A.3.3.48.3 Definition, 3.3.60
Operations
Definition, 3.3.49
Emergency Operations
Suburban
Definition, 3.3.61
Supervisory Chief Officer
L Y
Definition, 3.3.49.1
Special Operations
Definition, 3.3.49.2, A.3.3.49.2
Organization, Chap. 4
Definition, 3.3.62
Systems, Chap. 6
Communications Systems, 6.4
Incident Management System, 6.2, A.6.2
O N
E
Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services, 4.5 Pre-Incident Planning, 6.5, A.6.5
Emergency Medical Services, 4.3 Safety and Health System, 6.1
Fire Department Organizational Statement, 4.1
Fire Suppression Services, 4.2
Intercommunity Organization, 4.8
Marine Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services, 4.6
Training Systems, 6.3

Team
U S -T-

Special Operations, 4.4

Wildland Fire Suppression Services, 4.7

-P-
A
Time
L
Definition, 3.3.63

Alarm Answering Time

Definition, 3.3.64.1
Performance Objective
Definition, 3.3.50

{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047} D U Alarm Handling Time

Definition, 3.3.64.2
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
Definition, 3.3.51

V I Alarm Processing Time

Definition, 3.3.64.3

I
Alarm Transfer Time
-Q- Definition, 3.3.64.4

D
Quint Apparatus Definition, 3.3.64
Definition, 3.3.52 Initiating Action/Intervention Time

IN
Definition, 3.3.64.5, A.3.3.64.5
-R-
Total Response Time
Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Definition, 3.3.64.6, A.3.3.64.6

R
Definition, 3.3.53, A.3.3.53 Travel Time
Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC) Definition, 3.3.64.7

O
Definition, 3.3.53.1 Turnout Time
Referenced Publications, Chap. 2 Definition, 3.3.64.8

F Rescue
Definition, 3.3.54
Response Objectives, Annex D
General, D.1
Rural
Total Response Time
Definition, 3.3.65
Travel Time
Definition, 3.3.66
Turnout Time
Definition, 3.3.55 Definition, 3.3.67

-S- -U-
Shall Urban
Definition, 3.2.3 Definition, 3.3.68
Should
Definition, 3.2.4

2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

1710-32 ORGANIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS BY CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

-W- Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

Wildland Definition, 3.3.70
Definition, 3.3.69

L Y
O N
S E
L U
U A
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
I D
I V
D
IN
O R
F

2020 Edition
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

Sequence of Events for the Standards Committee Membership

Development Process Classifications1,2,3,4
Once the current edition is published, a Standard is opened for The following classifications apply to Committee members
Public Input. and represent their principal interest in the activity of the
Committee.
Step 1 – Input Stage
• Input accepted from the public or other committees for 1. M Manufacturer: A representative of a maker or mar-
consideration to develop the First Draft keter of a product, assembly, or system, or portion
• Technical Committee holds First Draft Meeting to revise thereof, that is affected by the standard.
Standard (23 weeks); Technical Committee(s) with Cor- 2. U User: A representative of an entity that is subject to
relating Committee (10 weeks) the provisions of the standard or that voluntarily
• Technical Committee ballots on First Draft (12 weeks); uses the standard.
Technical Committee(s) with Correlating Committee 3. IM Installer/Maintainer: A representative of an entity that
(11 weeks) is in the business of installing or maintaining a prod-
• Correlating Committee First Draft Meeting (9 weeks)
• Correlating Committee ballots on First Draft (5 weeks)
• First Draft Report posted on the document information
uct, assembly, or system affected by the standard.
4. L Labor: A labor representative or employee concerned
with safety in the workplace.
L Y
page
Step 2 – Comment Stage
• Public Comments accepted on First Draft (10 weeks) fol-
lowing posting of First Draft Report
and/or enforces standards.
O N
5. RT Applied Research/Testing Laboratory: A representative
of an independent testing laboratory or indepen-
dent applied research organization that promulgates

6. E Enforcing Authority: A representative of an agency or

• If Standard does not receive Public Comments and the
Technical Committee chooses not to hold a Second Draft
meeting, the Standard becomes a Consent Standard and
is sent directly to the Standards Council for issuance (see
standards.

S E
an organization that promulgates and/or enforces

7. I Insurance: A representative of an insurance company,

Step 4) or
• Technical Committee holds Second Draft Meeting
(21 weeks); Technical Committee(s) with Correlating
U
broker, agent, bureau, or inspection agency.
8. C Consumer: A person who is or represents the ultimate
purchaser of a product, system, or service affected by

L
the standard, but who is not included in (2).

A
Committee (7 weeks) 9. SE Special Expert: A person not representing (1) through
• Technical Committee ballots on Second Draft (11 weeks); (8) and who has special expertise in the scope of the

U
Technical Committee(s) with Correlating Committee standard or portion thereof.
(10 weeks)
• Correlating Committee Second Draft Meeting (9 weeks)
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
• Correlating Committee ballots on Second Draft
(8 weeks)
I D NOTE 1: “Standard” connotes code, standard, recom-
mended practice, or guide.

I
• Second Draft Report posted on the document informa-
tion page
V NOTE 2: A representative includes an employee.
NOTE 3: While these classifications will be used by the
Step 3 – NFPA Technical Meeting
D Standards Council to achieve a balance for Technical Com-
mittees, the Standards Council may determine that new

IN
• Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) accepted classifications of member or unique interests need repre-
(5 weeks) following the posting of Second Draft Report sentation in order to foster the best possible Committee
• NITMAMs are reviewed and valid motions are certified deliberations on any project. In this connection, the Stan-
by the Motions Committee for presentation at the NFPA

R
dards Council may make such appointments as it deems
Technical Meeting appropriate in the public interest, such as the classification
• NFPA membership meets each June at the NFPA Techni- of “Utilities” in the National Electrical Code Committee.

F O
cal Meeting to act on Standards with “Certified Amend-
ing Motions” (certified NITMAMs)
• Committee(s) vote on any successful amendments to the
Technical Committee Reports made by the NFPA mem-
bership at the NFPA Technical Meeting
NOTE 4: Representatives of subsidiaries of any group are
generally considered to have the same classification as the
parent organization.

Step 4 – Council Appeals and Issuance of Standard

• Notification of intent to file an appeal to the Standards
Council on Technical Meeting action must be filed within
20 days of the NFPA Technical Meeting
• Standards Council decides, based on all evidence,
whether to issue the standard or to take other action
Notes:
1. Time periods are approximate; refer to published sched-
ules for actual dates.
2. Annual revision cycle documents with certified amend-
ing motions take approximately 101 weeks to complete.
3. Fall revision cycle documents receiving certified amend-
ing motions take approximately 141 weeks to complete.
6/16-A
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

Submitting Public Input / Public Comment Through the Online Submission System
Following publication of the current edition of an NFPA standard, the development of the next edition
begins and the standard is open for Public Input.

Submit a Public Input

NFPA accepts Public Input on documents through our online submission system at www.nfpa.org. To use
the online submission system:
• Choose a document from the List of NFPA codes & standards or filter by Development Stage for
“codes accepting public input.”

Y
• Once you are on the document page, select the “Next Edition” tab.

L
• Choose the link “The next edition of this standard is now open for Public Input.” You will be asked
to sign in or create a free online account with NFPA before using this system.
• Follow the online instructions to submit your Public Input (see www.nfpa.org/publicinput for de-
tailed instructions).
• Once a Public Input is saved or submitted in the system, it can be located on the “My Profile” page
O N
by selecting the “My Public Inputs/Comments/NITMAMs” section.

Submit a Public Comment

S E
U
Once the First Draft Report becomes available there is a Public Comment period. Any objections or fur-
ther related changes to the content of the First Draft must be submitted at the Comment Stage. To sub-

L
mit a Public Comment follow the same steps as previously explained for the submission of Public Input.

Other Resources Available on the Document Information Pages

U A
Header: View document title and scope, access to our codes and standards or NFCSS subscription, and
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
sign up to receive email alerts.

I D
I V
Research current and previous edition information.

D
Current & Prior
Editions

Next Edition

IN
Follow the committee’s progress in the processing of a standard in its next revision cycle.

O R Technical
Committee
View current committee rosters or apply to a committee.

For members, officials, and AHJs to submit standards questions to NFPA staff. Our Technical

F Ask a Technical
Question

News
Questions Service provides a convenient way to receive timely and consistent technical assistance
when you need to know more about NFPA standards relevant to your work.

Provides links to available articles and research and statistical reports related to our standards.

Purchase Products Discover and purchase the latest products and training.
& Training

Related Products View related publications, training, and other resources available for purchase.

4/19-B
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

Information on the NFPA Standards Development Process

I. Applicable Regulations. The primary rules governing the processing of NFPA standards (codes, standards,
recommended practices, and guides) are the NFPA Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards (Regs). Other
applicable rules include NFPA Bylaws, NFPA Technical Meeting Convention Rules, NFPA Guide for the Conduct of Participants in
the NFPA Standards Development Process, and the NFPA Regulations Governing Petitions to the Board of Directors from Decisions of
the Standards Council. Most of these rules and regulations are contained in the NFPA Standards Directory. For copies of the
Directory, contact Codes and Standards Administration at NFPA headquarters; all these documents are also available on the
NFPA website at “www.nfpa.org/regs.”
The following is general information on the NFPA process. All participants, however, should refer to the actual rules and
regulations for a full understanding of this process and for the criteria that govern participation.
II. Technical Committee Report. The Technical Committee Report is defined as “the Report of the responsible
Committee(s), in accordance with the Regulations, in preparation of a new or revised NFPA Standard.” The Technical
Committee Report is in two parts and consists of the First Draft Report and the Second Draft Report. (See Regs at
Section 1.4.)
III. Step 1: First Draft Report. The First Draft Report is defined as “Part one of the Technical Committee Report, which
documents the Input Stage.” The First Draft Report consists of the First Draft, Public Input, Committee Input, Committee
and Correlating Committee Statements, Correlating Notes, and Ballot Statements. (See Regs at 4.2.5.2 and Section 4.3.)
L Y
Any objection to an action in the First Draft Report must be raised through the filing of an appropriate Comment for
consideration in the Second Draft Report or the objection will be considered resolved. [See Regs at 4.3.1(b).]
IV. Step 2: Second Draft Report. The Second Draft Report is defined as “Part two of the Technical Committee Report,
which documents the Comment Stage.” The Second Draft Report consists of the Second Draft, Public Comments with
O N
corresponding Committee Actions and Committee Statements, Correlating Notes and their respective Committee
Statements, Committee Comments, Correlating Revisions, and Ballot Statements. (See Regs at 4.2.5.2 and Section 4.4.)

S
The First Draft Report and the Second Draft Report together constitute the Technical Committee Report. Any outstanding
objection following the Second Draft Report must be raised through an appropriate Amending Motion at the NFPA
E
Technical Meeting or the objection will be considered resolved. [See Regs at 4.4.1(b).]

L U
V. Step 3a: Action at NFPA Technical Meeting. Following the publication of the Second Draft Report, there is a period
during which those wishing to make proper Amending Motions on the Technical Committee Reports must signal their

A
intention by submitting a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM). (See Regs at 4.5.2.) Standards that receive
notice of proper Amending Motions (Certified Amending Motions) will be presented for action at the annual June NFPA

U
Technical Meeting. At the meeting, the NFPA membership can consider and act on these Certified Amending Motions as
well as Follow-up Amending Motions, that is, motions that become necessary as a result of a previous successful Amending

I D
Motion. (See 4.5.3.2 through 4.5.3.6 and Table 1, Columns 1-3 of Regs for a summary of the available Amending Motions
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
and who may make them.) Any outstanding objection following action at an NFPA Technical Meeting (and any further
Technical Committee consideration following successful Amending Motions, see Regs at 4.5.3.7 through 4.6.5) must be

I V
raised through an appeal to the Standards Council or it will be considered to be resolved.
VI. Step 3b: Documents Forwarded Directly to the Council. Where no NITMAM is received and certified in accordance

D
with the Technical Meeting Convention Rules, the standard is forwarded directly to the Standards Council for action on
issuance. Objections are deemed to be resolved for these documents. (See Regs at 4.5.2.5.)

IN
VII. Step 4a: Council Appeals. Anyone can appeal to the Standards Council concerning procedural or substantive matters
related to the development, content, or issuance of any document of the NFPA or on matters within the purview of the
authority of the Council, as established by the Bylaws and as determined by the Board of Directors. Such appeals must be in

R
written form and filed with the Secretary of the Standards Council (see Regs at Section 1.6). Time constraints for filing an
appeal must be in accordance with 1.6.2 of the Regs. Objections are deemed to be resolved if not pursued at this level.

O
VIII. Step 4b: Document Issuance. The Standards Council is the issuer of all documents (see Article 8 of Bylaws). The

F Council acts on the issuance of a document presented for action at an NFPA Technical Meeting within 75 days from the
date of the recommendation from the NFPA Technical Meeting, unless this period is extended by the Council (see Regs at
4.7.2). For documents forwarded directly to the Standards Council, the Council acts on the issuance of the document at its
next scheduled meeting, or at such other meeting as the Council may determine (see Regs at 4.5.2.5 and 4.7.4).
IX. Petitions to the Board of Directors. The Standards Council has been delegated the responsibility for the
administration of the codes and standards development process and the issuance of documents. However, where
extraordinary circumstances requiring the intervention of the Board of Directors exist, the Board of Directors may take
any action necessary to fulfill its obligations to preserve the integrity of the codes and standards development process
and to protect the interests of the NFPA. The rules for petitioning the Board of Directors can be found in the Regulations
Governing Petitions to the Board of Directors from Decisions of the Standards Council and in Section 1.7 of the Regs.
X. For More Information. The program for the NFPA Technical Meeting (as well as the NFPA website as information
becomes available) should be consulted for the date on which each report scheduled for consideration at the meeting will
be presented. To view the First Draft Report and Second Draft Report as well as information on NFPA rules and for up-to-
date information on schedules and deadlines for processing NFPA documents, check the NFPA website (www.nfpa.org/
docinfo) or contact NFPA Codes & Standards Administration at (617) 984-7246.

4/19-C
Copyright 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). Licensed by agreement to Jennifer Goodrich FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY and downloaded on 01/20/2021. No reproduction or transmission in any form permitted
without written permission of NFPA®. For inquiries or access for multiple users, or to report unauthorized use, contact orders@nfpa.org.

The Online Community of the

National Fire Protection Association®

L Y
CONNECT WITH YOUR PEERS FROM
O N
AROUND THE WORLD
S E
L U
NFPA® Xchange™ is an online forum for finding and sharing
knowledge among an open community of professionals worldwide.
This educational tool and job aid allows you to explore content

A
relevant to you, participate in discussions with peers and industry
leaders, ask and answer questions, and receive expert advice.

U
{1DAB8F5F-C4F4-4651-B7A8-E476D49C0047}
• An active community of more than 50,000
I D Membership to NFPA Xchange is free and provides access to:

I V professionals collaborating in a single place

D • Insights and information on trending topics, emerging

issues, and new technologies

IN • Blogs and webinars for learning on-the-job skills, and

forums for submitting queries to be answered by peers

O R and NFPA® technical staff

• Job board for posting open positions and discovering

F employment opportunities from NFPA and partner

organizations

• A robust collection of previously asked questions

and subject matter in a searchable database accessible
anywhere, anytime, from any device

Have the resources you need by your side at all times. NFPA Xchange
provides the knowledge and support to help you do your job better
and help protect lives and property. Join the conversation today!

Join now for free at nfpa.org/xchange-community