America Burning Recommissioned
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WASHINGTON, December 13, 2000 -- In an effort to help define and chart the future course of the nation's fire services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released the final report of America Burning Recommissioned, America at Risk: Findings and Recommendations on the Role of the Fire Service in the Prevention and Control of Risks in America.
The initial America Burning report, issued in 1974, focused attention on the nation's fire problem, the needs of the fire services and allied professions, and resulted in the creation of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Academy.
"I asked the commission to reexamine the evolving role of the fire services in the safety and sustainability of today's American communities," FEMA Director James Lee Witt said. "Their report will help as we explore ways to support our nation's fire services and their role in meeting the challenges of the natural and man-made threats that our counties, cities, towns and villages face every day."
At the President's direction, Witt brought together a new commission last year to reexamine the role of the nation's fire service community. He asked George K. Bernstein to chair the commission. Bernstein has extensive experience and expertise in the development of federal programs that address and manage hazards. The other 23 members were chosen because of their unique expertise and understanding of the issues facing today's fire community.
"Until the USFA is empowered by funding and staffing to truly become the leader in our nation's firefighting efforts, unless the fire services are adequately funded, and unless local communities enforce known fire preventive and suppression measures," said Bernstein. "The establishment of this commission and its efforts to develop recommendations will have been an exercise in futility."
The commission's report reaches two major conclusions:
The frequency and severity of fires in America is a result of our nation's failure to adequately apply and fund known loss reduction strategies. The primary responsibility for fire prevention, suppression and action on other hazards dealt with by the fire services properly rests with state and local government. Nevertheless, a substantial role exists for the federal government in funding and technical support.
Today's fire departments have responsibilities extending well beyond the traditional fire hazard. The fire service is a community's primary responder to not only fires but also almost all local hazards. Firefighters, who too frequently expose themselves to unnecessary risk, and the communities they serve, would all benefit if the approach to avoiding loss from fires and other hazards was equal to the dedication shown in firefighting and rescue operations.
Last Updated: June 23, 2004 01:39 PM
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