Details about this story

• Source: Fresno Bee
• Date: June 10, 2007
• URL: Read the story
• Bylines: Brad Branan
• Topics: Disasters
• Data Types: Federal Data
• Description/Excerpt: The four biggest fire departments in Fresno County are putting people and property at risk by failing to meet the national standard, a Fresno Bee investigation has found. The National Fire Protection Association says an engine company should arrive at a fire five minutes after it is dispatched on at least 90% of calls. The Bee used computer software to analyze responses to about 1,500 building fires that happened during a 21-month period ending Dec. 31. The analysis shows: The Clovis Fire Department is closest to meeting the national standard, responding within five minutes on 86% of building fires. Clovis station No. 4, on Armstrong Avenue south of Shaw Avenue, responded on time to every fire in the period studied. The Fresno Fire Department hits the target 65% of the time. The North Central Fire Protection District responds on time in 40% of building fires. The Fresno County Fire Protection District turns in the worst performance by far, arriving on time in 16% of building fires.
• Database or Graphic: Go to site (pdf)