Denis McGuire, Jr. came across an article published by the *Chicago News Cooperative* that raised concerns about the city’s decision to keep fire department staffing levels at five firefighters per engine. The piece compared Chicago’s approach with other major U.S. cities, where staffing has been reduced to four per crew. According to the article, this shift is part of a broader trend aimed at improving efficiency and managing budgets more effectively.
While the article acknowledges that fire-related deaths in Chicago have significantly declined over the years—dropping from 156 in 1976 to just 27 by 2010—it also highlights that the number of fires has dropped even more sharply. This has led to some debate over whether the current level of staffing is necessary or if resources could be better allocated elsewhere.
The *Chicago News Cooperative* conducted a survey of the 10 largest U.S. cities and found that Chicago ranks among the top in terms of fire department resources. With one firefighter for every 637 residents, the city has more personnel per capita than all but Houston. Additionally, Chicago’s firehouse density is third among large cities, behind only New York and Philadelphia.
A spokesperson for the Chicago Fire Department, Larry Langford, emphasized that the reduction in fire fatalities isn’t a sign to cut back on staffing. He pointed out that having enough firefighters allows crews to conduct searches while simultaneously containing fires and preventing them from spreading to neighboring buildings.
Langford also noted that the drop in fire incidents is part of a national trend, driven by improved safety measures like sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and early warning devices. However, he added that the number of medical emergencies handled by the fire department has risen significantly during the same period.
He argued that Chicago’s unique urban layout—characterized by high-density housing, multi-story buildings, and closely packed neighborhoods—requires larger crews to respond effectively. Studies cited in the article suggest that five-person teams are far more efficient than four-member crews, with the difference translating into critical time saved during emergencies.
The full article and supporting data are available for further reading.
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