The Measurement of Building Fire Safety—Example of the Application of an Existing Method for Fire Hazard and Fire Risk Assessment at the Community Level

Abstract

A proven method for the evaluation of community fire protection was implemented to accomplish fire and life safety goals without the usual increases in cost for equipment and personnel. The method increases relative protection, yet demonstrates an actual decrease in the cost of new construction. Entry into the system was voluntary during the first years of activity; participation became mandatory when the savings became clear and no significant opposition was present. The method relies on the understanding of equivalency concepts for code compliance.