Objective 1- Fire Service Missions and Community Risk Reduction: Key Concepts and Roles

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The authority that determines what services are needed to protect citizens and establishes the fire service to meet those needs.

Fire service mission

To save lives and protect property and the environment from fires and other hazardous situations.

How is the fire service mission usually established?

By law or ordinance enacted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Why do fire service missions vary?

Different communities require different types of services.

All-hazard concept

An approach in which fire departments provide multiple types of emergency services.

Community Risk Reduction (CRR)

Fire prevention and public education activities intended to reduce community risk.

Fire suppression

Firefighting activities used to control and extinguish fires.

Fire cause determination

Determining the cause of a fire.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Emergency medical services provided by the fire department or other emergency organizations.

Technical rescue services

Specialized rescue services provided by the fire service.

Hazardous materials mitigation

Actions taken to control or reduce hazardous materials incidents.

Airport/seaport protection

Fire protection and emergency services provided for airports and/or seaports.

Emergency management services

Services involved in managing emergencies and disasters.

What determines a local fire department's mission?

The legal mandate that established it and the needs of the community.

Firefighter's role in the mission

Fulfill the stated goals and objectives of the department's mission statement.

Where should the department mission statement be available?

It should be posted in department facilities and made available to personnel and the community.