The agency is instructed to continue efforts to improve response rates to NFIRS. The agency should also investigate the possibility of using additional studies to determine what characteristics of a fire department might make it less willing to participate in NFIRS and determine whether there is a systematic nonresponse bias to the system that should be disclosed in the published reports based on this system.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2006
06/30/2006
1,700,000
0
0
1,757,760
0
0
38,115,000
0
0
NFIRS is used at the local, State and Federal levels as a standard method of collecting information concerning fire incidents. Resulting data is used to quantify the fire problem at all levels and to formulate intervention strategies which target loss reduction due to fire. FEMA estimates that 60% of the responses will be collected electronically for NFIRS Version 4.1 submissions and 90% for NFIRS 5.0 submissions.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
National Fire Incident reporting System (NFIRS) Version 4.1 and Version 5.0