Performance Details

Department of Public Safety - Fire and Life Safety

Mission

Prevent the loss of life and property from fire and explosion.

Core Services

  • Public education programs.
  • Fire and life safety inspections.
  • Building plan review for code compliance.
  • Fire training.

Arrow GraphicMission Results

 Core Services
A: Reduce loss of life due to fire.  Details >
  • TARGET #1: Reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) by 5% compared to the previous 5-year average
A1: Public education programs.  Details >
  • TARGET #1: Reduce fire fatalities in high-risk groups by 10% compared to the previous 5-year average
  • TARGET #2: Reduce fires in high-loss regions by 10% compared to the previous 5-year average
  • TARGET #3: Reduce alcohol and drug related fire fatalities by 10% compared to the previous 3-year average
A2: Fire and life safety inspections.  Details >
  • TARGET #1: 30% of all buildings scheduled for priority fire and life safety building inspections to be found in compliance at time of inspection

Arrow GraphicMission Results

 Core Services
B: Reduce property loss due to fire.  Details >
  • TARGET #1: Reduce property loss by 5% compared to previous 5-year average
  • TARGET #2: Reduce the number of structure fires by 5% compared to the previous 3-year average
B1: Building plan review for code compliance.  Details >
  • TARGET #1: Complete 95% of initial building plan reviews within 14 days
  • TARGET #2: Reduce property loss in high loss occupancies-residential structures by 10% compared to previous 3-year average
B2: Fire training.  Details >
  • TARGET #1: 10% increase in number of students attending firefighter and fire officer training
  • TARGET #2: 10% increase in number of firefighters attending building safety inspection training

Performance Detail


A: Result - Reduce loss of life due to fire.
    
Target #1: Reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) by 5% compared to the previous 5-year average

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

Number of Unintentional Fire Fatalities
Year Yearly Fatalities Prev 5-Yr Avg Fatalities Percent Inc/Dec
2011
11
19
-42.1%
2010
12
19.4
-38.1%
2009
22
17.2
+27.9%
2008
17
15.2
-10.6%
2007
24
12.2
+96.7%
2006
20
11.4
+81.8%
2005
14
11.6
+20.7%
2004
11
12.4
-11.3%
2003
7
15
-53.3%

Analysis of results and challenges: There has been a significant reduction in fire fatalities. The division's analysis is that the fire fatality rate decreased as public education was increased through the use of smart phone applications and the internet, and using every opportunity to take advantage of news media and speak to public groups.

Reduced Ignition Propensity (self-extinguishing) cigarettes continue to reduce the number of fire caused by careless smoking. The division's public education efforts will continue to focus on these recurring themes and provide educational support and instruction about the public taking responsibility for its safety so that the division can identify trends and refine its public outreach.

Related links:
   • Alaska Fire Statistics



A1: Core Service - Public education programs.
    
Target #1: Reduce fire fatalities in high-risk groups by 10% compared to the previous 5-year average

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

Number of Fire Fatalities in High-Risk Groups
Year High Risk Fatalities Prev 5-Yr Avg Percent Inc/Dec
2011
3
6
-50%
2010
5
5.6
-11%
2009
6
4.6
+30%
2008
5
4
+25%
2007
10
2.6
+285
2006
4
2.6
+54%
2005
3
3
0%
2004
1
4
-75%
2003
2
5
-60%
2002
3
5
-40%

Analysis of results and challenges: Nationally, children and the elderly have been identified to be at higher risk for fire related fatalities. Alaska continues to follow these national trends. During CY2011, there was a 50% decrease in fire fatalities in high-risk groups compared to the previous five-year average.

Single-family residences are the occupancy type where 100% of fire fatalities occurred. The division continues to have limited success because of very limited code authority, no inspection authority, and little direct access to single-family residences. The division enjoys significant success in all other occupancy types where it is empowered to act.

General public fire education and focused efforts regarding this risk group account for the reduction in fire fatalities. There appears to be a direct correlation between fire prevention education efforts and fire fatalities. When public fire education efforts increase, the fire death rate is reduced, and when public fire education efforts are marginalized the fire fatality rate rises.

Related links:
   • Alaska Fire Statistics
   • National Fire Statistics


    
Target #2: Reduce fires in high-loss regions by 10% compared to the previous 5-year average

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

Number of Fires in Targeted Regions - Western Alaska, Central Alaska, and Anchorage
Year Fires in Targeted Reg. Prev 5-Yr Avg Percent Inc/Dec
2011
823
861.4
-4%
2010
804
879.4
-9%
2009
890
861.8
+3%
2008
824
870.4
-5%
2007
850
863
-2%
2006
939
855.4
+10%
2005
894
840
+6%
2004
802
835.8
-4%
2003
867
796
+9%
2002
813
778
+4%

Analysis of results and challenges: Target regions are those areas of the state that experience a proportionately higher number of fires. Fire incident reports indicate the greatest number of fires consistently occur in western Alaska, central Alaska, and Anchorage. These areas are targeted for increased educational and inspection efforts to reduce fires.

In CY2011, there was a four percent reduction in fires in these targeted regions, compared to the previous five-year average. The reduction reflects the impact of media messaging and public fire education efforts targeted at these areas. Efforts to get the message out to more remote locations occurred as television and newsprint media used the division's public press releases to inform local communities of the hazard of fire.

Related links:
   • Alaska Fire Statistics


    
Target #3: Reduce alcohol and drug related fire fatalities by 10% compared to the previous 3-year average

Methodology: Source: Fire and Life Safety Division

Alcohol and Drug Related Fire Fatalities
Year Yearly Fatalities Drugs/Alcohol a Factor Prev 3-yr Avg
2011
11
6
8.7
2010
12
5
11
2009
22
14
12
2008
17
7
12.3
2007
24
12
11
2006
20
17
7
2005
14
8
5.3
2004
11
8
5

Analysis of results and challenges: Impairment due to alcohol and drug use can cause carelessness, poor judgment, and decreased motor skills which can lead to fires starting from unattended cooking or heating sources or misuse of ignition sources. Impairment then contributes to an inability to recognize the danger, hear and respond to a smoke alarm, escape from a burning dwelling, and assist others in reaching safety.

The data were obtained directly from toxicology reports from victim autopsies or from blood alcohol tests on persons who contributed to starting fires relating to fatalities.

The division continues to work with its partners and various foundations, public service organizations, and state agencies that advocate reducing intoxication and its negative effects on society.

A2: Core Service - Fire and life safety inspections.
    
Target #1: 30% of all buildings scheduled for priority fire and life safety building inspections to be found in compliance at time of inspection

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

Percentage of Buildings in Compliance with Legal Standards According to Fire and Life Safety Division Inspections
Fiscal Year Total Inspections Not in Compliance Buildings in Compliance YTD Percentage
FY 2012
2,665
1,999
666
25%
FY 2011
2,529
1,940
589
23.3%
FY 2010
2,181
1,656
525
24.1%
FY 2009
2,256
1,401
855
37.9%
FY 2008
1,543
994
549
35.6%
FY 2007
659
489
180
27.3%
FY 2006
1,282
853
429
33.5%
FY 2005
795
581
214
26.9%
FY 2004
1,187
843
344
29.0%
FY 2003
1,063
772
291
27.4%
FY 2002
729
574
155
21.3%

Analysis of results and challenges: Prioritization of building inspections continues to be based upon those occupancies that are at the greatest risk of fire-related injuries and fatalities, property loss, and community impact. The division is striving to increase owner/occupant awareness of hazards so a greater number of buildings will be found in compliance with legal standards at time of inspection.

The division continues to send self-inspection checklists to customers a few weeks prior to inspection to increase awareness. This allows customers to help themselves to avoid unsafe conditions and citations. The division will continue its priority inspection program, and forecasts a continuing decrease in deficiencies and a reduction in structural fires and associated property loss.

Related links:
   • Division of Fire and Life Safety



B: Result - Reduce property loss due to fire.
    
Target #1: Reduce property loss by 5% compared to previous 5-year average

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

Dollar Value of Property Loss from Fire (in thousands)
Year Yearly Property Loss Prev 5-Yr Avg Percent Inc/Dec
2011
$45,200
$59,400
-24%
2010
$33,738
$58,144
-42%
2009
$29,240
$59,011
-50%
2008
$68,159
$50,488
+35%
2007
$91,121
$38,649
+136%
2006
$74,743
$33,023
+126%
2005
$27,458
$33,189
-17%
2004
$33,573
$31,153
+8%
2003
$25,546
$31,585
-35%

Analysis of results and challenges: Alaska experiences significant fire related property loss each year. Property losses rose in CY2011 as did the number of structure fires.

Related links:
   • Alaska Fire Statistics


    
Target #2: Reduce the number of structure fires by 5% compared to the previous 3-year average

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

Number of Structure Fires
Year Structure Fires Prev 3-Yr Avg Percent Inc/Dec
2011
1,213
1,222
-1%
2010
1,168
1,234
-5%
2009
1,273
1,255
+1%
2008
1,225
1,259
-3%
2007
1,203
1,252
-4%
2006
1,337
1,208
+11%
2005
1,236
1,181
+5%
2004
1,183
1,188
0%
2003
1,205
1,173
+3%
2002
1,154
1,122
+3%

Analysis of results and challenges: The one percent decrease in structure fires in CY2011 when compared to the previous three-year average continued the downward trend of the previous year. The division continues working to reduce the number of structure fires in Alaska through public education programs, fire and life safety building inspections, building plan reviews for code compliance, and public education. The hole in the program continues to be single-family residences, because the division has very limited code authority, no inspection authority, and little direct access to individual residences.

Related links:
   • Alaska Fire Statistics



B1: Core Service - Building plan review for code compliance.
    
Target #1: Complete 95% of initial building plan reviews within 14 days

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

Initial Building Plan Reviews Completed within 14 days
Fiscal Year Plan reviews submitted # completed on time % completed on time
FY 2012
994
717
72%
FY 2011
1,016
675
66%
FY 2010
1,075
804
68%
FY 2009
1,249
861
69%
FY 2008
1,024
718
70%
FY 2007
802
675
84%
FY 2006
1,070
916
86%
FY 2005
915
771
84%
FY 2004
1,075
882
82%

Analysis of results and challenges: The target of completing 95% of initial building plan reviews in 14 days was not met in FY2012. During the fiscal year, the plan review bureau experienced a slight reduction in business volume. The bureau trained one new plans examiner and promoted an existing employee to the bureau supervisor position. The backlog of plans was eliminated, and additional training conducted. These activities impacted the bureau's ability to reach divisional goals. Further refinement of data input and follow-up continue to increase customer satisfaction.
    
Target #2: Reduce property loss in high loss occupancies-residential structures by 10% compared to previous 3-year average

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

Property Loss from Fire in Targeted Occupancies/Residential Structures (in thousands)
Year Property Loss Amount Prev 3-Yr Avg Percent Inc/Dec
2011
$27,027
$22,788
+19%
2010
$21,291
$34,734
-39%
2009
$20,867
$44,443
-53%
2008
$26,206
$42,792
-38%
2007
$57,130
$29,144
+96%
2006
$49,994
$17,149
+192%
2005
$20,354
$16,014
+27%
2004
$17,085
$14,398
+19%
2003
$14,009
$14,967
-6%
2002
$16,947
$13,582
+25%

Analysis of results and challenges: Residential occupancies continue to be the type of structure where Alaska's greatest fire-related property loss occurs. The Division of Fire and Life Safety is working to reduce this property loss through a combination of public fire education, fire and life safety initiatives, and plan review of four-plex (and above) residential buildings for code compliance. Since the division has no code authority, no inspection authority, and little direct access to single-family residences - where all CY2011 fire fatalities occurred - public fire education is the one component that will support a downward trend in fire loss in residential occupancies.

B2: Core Service - Fire training.
    
Target #1: 10% increase in number of students attending firefighter and fire officer training

Methodology: Source: Training and Education Bureau

Number of Students Attending Firefighter/Fire Officer Training
Fiscal Year YTD Total Percent Inc/Dec
FY 2012
3,039
+2%
FY 2011
2,974
+9%
FY 2010
2,719
+11%
FY 2009
2,449
-18%
FY 2008
2,972
+19%
FY 2007
2,500
+5%
FY 2006
2,384
+37%

Analysis of results and challenges: Proper training of firefighters and fire officers at all levels is critical to the reduction of fire-related injuries, fatalities, and property loss. This training includes all levels from basic firefighting skills to advanced fire officer strategy and tactics for both career and volunteer personnel.

In FY2012, the division increased the number of course offerings to 117; however, student numbers were lower than expected. Diminishing local budgets and the increased cost of travel could have an impact on attendance. The division is exploring modification of course delivery methods.
    
Target #2: 10% increase in number of firefighters attending building safety inspection training

Methodology: Source: Training and Education Bureau

Number of Firefighters Attending Fire and Life Safety Division Building Safety Inspection Training
Fiscal Year YTD Total Target-10% increase
FY 2012
445
506
FY 2011
460
676
FY 2010
615
360
FY 2009
327
299
FY 2008
272
333
FY 2007
303
298
FY 2006
271
207

Analysis of results and challenges: Building safety training courses are designed to give fire department members skills and knowledge on building safety within their communities. This training allows local fire department members to educate local building owners on fire safety hazards encountered during visits to the occupancy, either during emergency responses or during courtesy inspections. This information is primarily provided to new fire department members when they join an organization.

 

Current as of December 13, 2012