National Fire Programs

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Mission

Manage the USFA Public education and information efforts. Operate the National Fire Data Center for the collection, analysis, publication, dissemination and marketing of information related to the Nation's fire problem and USFA programs. Manage USFA research efforts in fire detection, prevention, suppression and first responder health, safety and effectiveness. Manage special programs that enhance USFA and partner roles in all-hazard preparedness and response.

Functions

  1. Coordinate and manage the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data and information about fire and other emergency incidents involving fire department response.
  2. Manage the research, development and application of projects and investigation of technology for fire detection, prevention, rescue and suppression; as well as technology, equipment and strategies to improve firefighter and first responder health, safety, and effectiveness.
  3. Develop and implement programs of fire prevention, awareness and public education, leveraging partnerships with private and public sectors, and providing particular focus to high risk groups.
  4. Create, maintain and disseminate operational, technical, educational and marketing information in a variety of formats through administration of the Learning Resource Center, USFA Publications Center, USFA Media Center, and the USFA internet website.
  5. Review and authorize reimbursement to local fire services for firefighting on Federal property.
  6. Develop and manage programs that support and strengthen the capacity of the nation's fire and emergency services and the public to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, and respond to local, regional and national emergencies and their consequences.
  7. Work with other DHS/FEMA program offices in support of disaster response, recovery and mitigation activities.

National Fire Data Center Branch

Functions

  1. Coordinate and manage the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data and information about fire and other emergency incidents involving fire department response.
  2. Encourage and assist State, local and other agencies, public and private, in developing standardized reporting methods and in reporting information.
  3. Manage the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), the Fire Department Census and other National databases and systems containing information related to the fire problem and the fire and emergency services.
  4. Manage USFA's firefighter fatality reporting and documentation.
  5. Manage the research, development and application of projects and investigation of technology for fire detection, prevention, rescue and suppression; as well as technology, equipment and strategies to improve firefighter and first responder health, safety, and effectiveness.
  6. Support adoption of new fire detection and suppression technology nationwide.
  7. Promote and encourage adoption, implementation and management of effective local fire codes nationwide.

Prevention and Information Branch

Functions

  1. Develop and implement programs of fire prevention, awareness and public education, leveraging partnerships with private and public sectors, and providing particular focus to high risk groups.
  2. Coordinate arson prevention and control programs with public and private entities and organizations, developing strategic partnerships.
  3. Administer the Learning Resource Center, which provides library and information services to students, staff, and faculty at NETC; and provides reference services to the Nation's fire and emergency management communities.
  4. Create, maintain and disseminate operational, technical, educational and marketing information in a variety of formats through administration of the USFA Publications Center, USFA Media Center, and the USFA internet website.
  5. Plan and coordinate USFA participation in conferences, shows and exhibits and manage the Hotel-Motel National Master List.
  6. Disseminate information to guide decisions in the development of effective fire-related legislation and to promote and encourage the adoption, implementation and management of effective local fire codes nationwide.
  7. Identify model programs that can be transferred to State and local fire services and the public sector.
  8. Carry out key programs to support the operation of the Nation's volunteer fire services, including increased leadership/management capabilities and advocacy for recruitment and retention as well as health and safety.
  9. Review and authorize reimbursement to local fire services for firefighting on Federal property.

Emergency Response Support Branch

Functions

  1. Develop and manage programs that support and strengthen the capacity of the nation's fire and emergency services and the public to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, and respond to local, regional and national emergencies and their consequences.
  2. Continue efforts to implement the use of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which involves all related disciplines, in emergency response.
  3. In concert with NFA, develop doctrine and training to design, operate and evaluate the NIMS/National Response Framework (NRF) and the practice of Incident Command System.
  4. Research information and activities to support the development of training and technical assistance in response to evolving fire and emergency issues and/or strategies.
  5. Support the NRF prescribed ESF-4 within the NRF.
  6. Operate the Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) to collect, analyze, and disseminate threat and security-related information in a timely manner to State, local, and tribal Emergency Services Sector leadership.
  7. Provide liaison to the National Interagency Fire Center to combine expertise in structural and wildland firefighting and multi-agency coordination.
  8. Staff Fire Desk at DHS National Operations Center (NOC); providing technical assistance in support of situational awareness and a common operating picture in the event of a major incident and ensuring that relevant critical information reaches government decision-makers at all levels.
  9. Work with other DHS/FEMA program offices in support of disaster response, recovery and mitigation activities.
  10. Serve as the principle liaison regarding incident simulation exercises conducted within the framework of the NIMS and NRF at the Federal, State, local, and tribal levels.