Abstract
Abstract : Fire stations are very critical in every society, as their purpose is to protect/save lives and minimise damage to property from fire. Subsequently, there is a need for fire stations to be planned in such a manner that they cater for all areas within their jurisdiction and respond to reported incidences within the required response time. The study applies a GIS-based accessibility analysis technique based on the demand (population density and area extent), the location of existing fire stations, road network, and fire response time standards as per National Fire Protection Agency and South African National Standards requirements. The processes followed in the study answers the questions of who must get what, and where the facility must be located geographically in an unbiased manner. The primary objective of this study is to audit and report on the status quo of existing fire stations in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in terms of their spatial location and access provision standards (response times) through a GIS-based accessibility analysis technique. In addition, the study aims to identify areas where backlog (Population and area extent not adequately covered by existing fire stations) exists and propose optimal sites to locate additional fire stations within the study area in order to address the backlog. Furthermore, the impact of the proposed optimal locations is tested. The outputs of the study can be used to form the basis of a development plan. The outputs include (1) service area maps providing an idea as to where there is a need to develop new fire stations or expansion of existing fire stations to service a larger area (2) tabulated service coverage statistics, which consists of simple enumeration of total demand (population and area adequately covered) to assist in decision making.
M.Sc. (Town and Regional Planning)