Estimation of effective coverage rate of fire station services based on real-time travel times. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Dingli; Xu, Zhisheng; Wang, Zhengyang; Zhou, Yang; Fan, Chuangang
• Is Part Of: Fire safety journal. Volume 120(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Fire station service -- Effective coverage rate -- Real-time travel time -- Estimation model; Fire prevention -- Periodicals; Incendies -- Prévention -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Fire prevention -- Research; Periodicals; 628.92205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2020.103021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-7112

Abstract

Abstract: Frequent fires cause losses of human lives and properties. These losses can be reduced by the effective coverage of fire station services. Therefore, a model to estimate the effective coverage rate (ECR) of fire station services is required. In this study, the objective of ECR was proposed to be not less than 90% in at least 90% of the time. Based on this objective and real-time travel times calculated from online maps, a model to estimate the ECR of fire station services was developed. To validate the estimation model, 2002 fire incidents and six fire stations in Loudi were selected as case studies. 168 estimation scenarios in seven consecutive days were set and 336, 336 valid samples were obtained. The total effective coverage rate (TECR) of fire station services in Loudi was 36.04% and its service level was low. Results from visualizations showed that many uncovered points were concentrated in urban areas. Considering the economic constraints, four fire stations were recommended to be built in these areas. This proposed method is applicable to estimate TECRs of other cities. Highlights: Model to estimate the effective coverage rate of fire station services was established. Real-time travel times were obtained by calling route-planning API of online maps. 2002 fire incidents and six fire stations in Loudi were selected for case studies. Total effective coverage rate in Loudi was 36.04% and its service level was low.