Computer Identifies Use Of Fuel by Type of Activity
features
The annual battle of the budget is a frustrating experience for the average fire service administrator, particularly in the area of managing soaring energy costs for apparatus fuel. The Seattle Fire Department is feeling the same budgetary pinch that all metropolitan areas are experiencing.
In an attempt to deal with this unpredictable situation, the Seattle Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Bob Swartout, has developed a computer-based model to identify and quantify fuel consumption throughout the department.
The focus of the problem came to light soon after Swartout was appointed chief of department in early 1980. One of the chiefs first directives was to modify emergency responses to alarms originating from automatic fire alarm systems. The logical question that followed this change was the effect it would have on the department’s consumption of energy. It was then realized that while total fuel expense was available, there was no way to break it down by department program. In an era of soaring costs and uncertain availability, we quickly realized that such information was of critical importance to managing energy resources effectively.
With these facts in mind, the department’s research and development section, under the direction of Captain Richard Colombi, was given the task of developing a system of identifying the department’s fuel consumption by activity or function.
The first task to be undertaken was to identify each department activity. The department was divided into three major categories: (1) operation division, (2) fire marshal’s office, and (3) administration. Each division provided personnel to identify its programs or functions. It should be stated that the Seattle Fire Department is an extremely active department. The operations division not only is involved in fire suppression and emergency medical service, but this division also carries on an extremely varied inspection workload and a diversified training program as well.
When the lists of activities or functions were completed and verified, each was assigned a three-digit number, and a code list was established for each division.
Form designed
The second task was to develop a form to capture the use of the code numbers ’ throughout the department’s fleet of vehicles. To ensure cooperation throughout the department, the form had to be as simple and easy to use as possible. Research and development, with the assistance of the operations division, was able to come up with the answer—a modified version of a currently used apparatus form. The use of a similar form to one already in use paid dividends in gaining acceptance by department members.
The use of the form is really quite simple. It consists of assigning a trip sheet to each vehicle. As the vehicle is used throughout the month, the driver enters the code number of the function being performed and the distance the vehicle traveled to perform that function. At the end of each month, the form is forwarded to research and development for review. The form is used by engine and ladder companies, aid and medic units, battalion chief cars, fire marshal personnel, administrative staff, etc. The entire department is involved and acceptance of the program has been excellent.
The third task is a simple mile-pergallon study on the department’s fleet of vehicles. This was easily accomplished by the operations division in a short time.
Once these first three steps were completed, (1) codifying the department’s functions, (2) developing a form to collect the information, and (3) a vehicle miles-per-gallon list, the last step in the process was data processing. Jesse Lao, systems analyst, developed the computer model used. It’s basically quite simple. The list of department vehicles with their miles-per-gallon was entered into the computer along with the current cost of gasoline and diesel fuel.
Program fuel costs obtained
As the monthly code lists are received, they are entered into the computer. When all the reports are in, the computer calculates the program code number and the varied miles per gallon of each vehicle and comes up with the total fuel cost for that individual program for the month. There are approximately 150 coded functions being used.
This program will enable the Seattle Fire Department to closely monitor its 1981 budgeted amount for vehicle fuel of $182,000. It will provide the department with the needed information to place an energy price tag on each function, program or service. In the event that energy prices escalate significantly or supplies are curtailed, the department will be in a position to evaluate and make the necessary adjustments to its programs or services.
In connection with our efforts to identify apparatus fuel usage, the department is developing a parallel program to identify the use of fire station heating resources.
In the current climate of energy uncertainty, this type of simple, low-cost management tool provides effective, accurate information on which sound management decisions can be made.
