Canadian cities, towns, municipalities, regions, and provinces experience various types of major disaster and emergencies. Major disasters and emergencies are larger than everyday emergencies and can quickly overwhelm the first responders that are called to respond to them. Major disasters and emergencies may require the application of different performance standards and protocols. While fire departments are proficient at planning and preparing for normal operating conditions and some of them have great experiences with large emergencies, a better understanding and preparedness for disaster events is more challenging. Understanding the nature, volume, characteristics and response performances of fire departments during major disasters and emergencies is very important. This study aims to provide some insights into the patterns and characteristics of fire incidents during major disaster and emergencies in Canada using the National Fire Incident Database (NFID).
Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research
