The International Association of Fire Chiefs has released a report on the fire service response to the blackout that occured over 9,300 square miles in seven U.S. states and Canada Aug. 14, 2003. The report, titled "Report on the Fire Service during the 2003 Northeast Blackout and its Implications for Critical Infrastructure Protection," includes the results of a survey sent to IAFC members, which showed that about 20 percent of the respondents were affected by the blackout.

"Of the respondents who lost power, nearly 35 percent said their community water supply for fire fighting was affected," said the report written by Ann Davison and Lisa Silverboard. "One respondent noted, 'We had no hydrant pressure and had to rely on water in our booster tanks. We were ready to draft water from our city pool if needed.

Forty-five percent of respondents who lost power also said they experienced an impact on EMS operations, while 22 percent experienced an impact on fire operations.

Go to the full report on the IAFC Web site.