Standards of fire cover are a set of regulations which set out the first attendance which must be provided by a fire station for any area in its district. The standards also consist of regulations which establish the total resources of the fire brigade and the manning levels of different types of appliances.
FIRST ATTENDANCE
1.1. Objective
The objective of the first attendance is that after arrival of the first appliances to the fire scene -no persons or animals threatened by fire should be hurt, --the fire should not spread.
To achieve these aims the first attendance must be able to perform rescue and firefighting operations. To estimate the size of the first attendance the extent of the rescue and fire-fighting operation must be formulated in detail. As a basis a realistic situation, i.e. a situation which could take place in any district, must be chosen.
How many firemen and how many appliances must turn out to a fire and how long a time may elapse before the first attendance arrives at the fire scene?
In Denmark these questions have been studied for many years. The studies have included theoretical considerations, statistical studies, time studies of work at fires, different types of practical tests, etc. In this report "Standards of Fire Cover", prepared by the chief inspector of fire services in Denmark, Gunnar Haurum, the results of the studies and the influence on Danish standards of fire cover are described.
The comments, following the report, give the author's views on the possibility of using the report in countries other than Denmark. The Editor would welcome correspondence on the highly important subject that the paper covers.