How many fire departments participated in NFIRS by 1987?

By 1987, there were 13,030 fire departments participating in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). This extensive involvement underscores the system's significance in improving fire incident reporting and enhancing data collection across the country. The large number of participating departments indicates a growing recognition of the need for standardized reporting to better understand fire incidents, allocate resources effectively, and develop more effective prevention strategies. NFIRS serves as a crucial tool for collecting data on fire incidents, and the participation level in 1987 reflects the commitment of fire departments to leverage this system for community safety and operational improvements.