New insights from SPRINTER research: faster on site, less damage

In the project funded by TKI Dinalog (Top Sector Logistics), SPRINTER, an important step has been taken in scientifically demonstrating the effect of fire service turnout times on the extent of fire damage. The research was conducted by the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region in cooperation with Erasmus University Rotterdam and Free University Amsterdam.

The analyses show that:

• The probability of major damage increases by 1.2% per minute.

• After 11 minutes, the probability of a total loss increases exponentially.

Although it sounds logical that slower turnout time leads to more damage, the link had hardly been successfully demonstrated until now. SPRINTER changes this by using extensive data and scientific methods.

Why is this important?

The insights enable:

• To make better choices about the distribution and deployment of fire brigades.

• To firmly ground policies and investments in repressive fire services.

• Directly contribute to reducing societal and economic damage caused by fire.

The study was made possible in part by the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region's Incident Registration System (IRS). A special thanks goes to the commanders and officers who carefully recorded their information, thus making the study possible.

Collaboration for social impact

SPRINTER shows how collaboration between science and practice leads to concrete insights that directly contribute to a safer society. The project highlights the value of innovation and research for public safety.

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Source: Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region