Life, The Universe ...: Study Reveals U.S. Firefighters Face Critical Shortages

A recent study fromthe U.S. Fire Administration, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, reveals that many firehouses across the U.S. lack adequate funding for some of the most essential firefighting tools.

Among the greatest needs are communications equipment, protective gear and training. To call attention to the many ways firefighters contribute to their communities and to help promote awareness of their long list of needs, Circuit City's new firedog services brand recently launched "firedog Across America." The national online essay contest invites Americans to nominate their local firefighters for outstanding service andthe chance to win $550,000 in much needed donations.

"Firefighters risk their lives everyday to protect us. However, as the U.S. Fire Administration study indicates, many firehouses are in seriousneed of additional resources," says Peter Weedfald, senior vicepresident and chief marketing officer, Circuit City Stores, Inc. "Through'firedog Across America,' we hope not only to demonstrate our appreciation for firefighters' dedicated service, but also promote awareness across the country of their equipment and training needs."

The 2006 U.S. Fire Administration study -- "Four Years Later -- A Second Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service" -- was co-authored by theNational Fire Protection Agency. Based on responses from more than 15,000 firehouses nationwide, the results indicate a serious need in the areas of equipment and training.

Findings indicate that an estimated:

-- 65 percent of fire departments do not have enough portable radios to equip all emergency responders on a shift.

-- 60 percent of fire departments do not have enough self-contained breathing apparatus to equip all firefighters on a shift.

-- 66 percent of departments have at least some personal protective clothing that is at least 10 years old.

-- 14 percent of departments protecting communities with populations less than 2,500 have no ladder/aerial apparatus but have at least one building four stories high or higher in the community.

-- 36 percent of fire departments deliver emergency medical services (EMS), but have not provided formal EMS training to all involved personnel.

-- 63 percent of fire departments involved in wildland firefighting have not provided formal training in those duties to all involved personnel.

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