The U.S. Fire Administration has released data from the first phase of the National Fire Department Census conducted from October 2001 through the spring of 2002. The effort resulted in approximately 16,000 fire departments being registered with the census.

The online directory of fire department data includes the department name, address, Web address (if applicable), organization type (i.e., federal, state, local) and department type (i.e., career, volunteer, paid per call). Fire department personnel will be able to update their department's data online. USFA staff will review and verify all changes to the database.

“This critical effort will provide the fire services, allied professions and the general public with accurate and current information about fire departments across the nation. As the role of the nation's firefighters in homeland safety expands, this database will be an important resource,” said R. David Paulison, USFA Administrator.

To access or download the National Fire Department Census data, visit the USFA Web site at www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/fdonline.