Participation in NFIRS is largely voluntary, although some states require participation. By 1987, more than ___________ departments participated.

The correct answer reflects the growth of participation in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) by stating that by 1987, more than 1,977 fire departments were involved. This figure highlights the increasing recognition of the importance of standardized data collection in enhancing fire safety measures and improving departmental responses to incidents. NFIRS provides critical data that enables fire departments to analyze trends, allocate resources effectively, and implement safety programs based on empirical evidence.

The number also exemplifies the voluntary nature of the NFIRS, as many departments independently saw the value in contributing to a comprehensive national database, which aids in understanding fire incident patterns and improving overall fire safety. As participation data grew in early years, it further incentivized departments to engage, seeing how collective efforts could lead to substantial benefits both at local and national levels.