Optimization of Firefighting capacity using Network Analysis: Case Study of Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

Despite the fact that fire is the most common and economically costly disaster, fire response and preparedness appear to be significantly limited, particularly in the Kathmandu valley. Only four operational fire stations, excluding army and aviation authorities, are presently responding to fire disasters in the valley. Due to this, it is impossible for these firefighters and fire brigades to arrive at the accident scene on time. As a result, people suffer bigger losses, including the danger of losing their lives, which not only stresses them out but also diminishes confidence of firefighting units due to the public's unwelcoming conduct upon their delayed arrival. This thesis studies about the current response time capacity of the fire station inside Kathmandu valley using service area of network analysis in QGIS software. Furthermore, the optimal number of locations for fire station is calculated using Allagash method using python programming. It is found that at least 56 number of fire station or fire truck at stand by position at several locations is required to serve population optimally inside Kathmandu Valley. However, more numbers of fire stations are required if international standard of 240 seconds of response time is followed. The number of stations required can be decreased if the speed of truck can be increased by improving condition of roads and road appurtenances.