The Economics of Everyday Things 58. Firefighters
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Aug 5, 2024 
Joshua Hurwitz, a Tufts University economics lecturer, joins fire chiefs Eric Mackintosh and Steve Pegram to discuss the evolving role of firefighters. With fire incidents declining, they explore how firefighters are increasingly responding to medical emergencies. The conversation also highlights the rise of household fire hazards, such as cooking mishaps and lithium-ion batteries. They delve into the financial challenges faced by fire departments and the growing integration of emergency services, showcasing the shift from traditional firefighting to broader emergency response.
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Melted Helmet
- Eric Mackintosh's helmet melted during a four-hour fire at a country store.
- The intense fire required 100 firefighters and 25 trucks, leaving only charred remains.
Fewer Fires, More Firefighters
- Fires are becoming less frequent due to safety regulations and new technologies.
- Despite this, the number of salaried firefighters is increasing because the job's nature is changing.
Shifting Demand
- Fire departments are busier overall, but the types of calls have shifted.
- Fire incidents decreased by over 40% in three decades, while EMS responses increased by almost 250%.