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 Runnestrand, Dan. Marketing Fire Investigation. Fire Chief. Vol 41,
No. 7 (July 1997). p 44+.
Abstract: Now is the time to market fire investigation, according
to the author. Fire investigation contributes to fire prevention and is
therefore a public safety issue. A basic strategy would include three components.
The first step in marketing is to identify the customer. In the of case
fire investigation, customers are both internal and external. Internal customers
include colleagues in; fire department management, operations, fire prevention,
public information, public education and other bureaus. External customers
include politicians, city managers, police, the district attorneyís
office and other city staff. Insurance and related companies are considered
customers as well. And of course, individual citizens and businesses have
a direct interest in fire prevention. Customers provided with information
and statistics regarding fire investigation might very well operate more
effectively and should be solicited for input regarding their concerns.
When the needs of the customer are understood, the second step, designing
a solution, can proceed. Different fire departments will have different
solution requirements, but four fundamental principles should be considered;
problem identification, investigation response, intervention strategies
and cooperation.
Problem identification requires an unbiased evaluation of the threat
of fire in one's community. Fire investigation must be treated with proficiency
and dedication to achieving the highest level of skill and ability. Intervention
strategies require accurate determination of cause and analysis of trends.
And finally, cooperation with potential partners in the community is vital.
The last step in marketing is presentation. Fire investigation must be
demonstrated as a prerequisite to fire prevention. Ideally, the first two
steps of identifying the customer and designing a solution have been successfully
accomplished. Hopefully budgetary constraints have been considered. Cost-reduction
strategies include sharing trained investigators between communities, soliciting
grants and donations, and aggressive restitution.
For more information, contact:
Fire Chief
35 E. Wacker Drive, Ste. 700
Chicago, IL 60601-2198
Phone: (312) 726-7277
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