Abstract

Into the Fire Service: GIS at Alameda County Fire Department
Track: Fire, Rescue, and EMS
Authors: Paul Morgan

Planning, Preparedness, Response and Recovery: These are the functions that drive the Fire Service. As the use of geospatial technology expands, the Fire Service is at a potentially transformative moment. This presentation focuses on the emerging framework for the Fire Service to successfully integrate GIS tools and technology that helps coordinate these functions. Also, the very real issues involved with data acquisition and management, both within and between Fire agencies and, probably even more importantly, other internal departments and outside entities are discussed. The imperative for data standardization will also be addressed. This presentation highlights the experiences of the Alameda County Fire Department, but also provides a starting point for further discussion of issues, solutions and experiences and how GIS technology can be used as an integrative tool to help the Fire Service accomplish its responsibilities and functions.