Evaluation of the Preparedness and Response of the operational personnel of the Ibarra Fire Department in forest fires

Abstract

Wildfires represent a growing threat to the environment, communities, and first responders. This study analyzes the level of preparedness and response of the Ibarra Fire Department's operational personnel to forest fires, considering key aspects such as operational organization, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), inter-institutional coordination, and psychological well-being. Through a systematic literature review based on national and international studies, significant progress was identified in the adoption of the Incident Command System (ICS) and in the technical training of personnel, although weaknesses persist in updating PPE and access to post-incident mental health services.

The results show that 30% of personnel demonstrate high proficiency in the ICS, while 20% maintain low levels, which jeopardizes operational coordination during emergencies. Furthermore, 35% of personnel do not have full PPE compliant with NFPA 1977 (NFPA, 2022; Gutiérrez, 2024). A lack of specialized psychologists was also identified, limiting emotional preparedness in high-stress scenarios (APA, 2023). The evidence reviewed underscores the need for ongoing training programs of at least 200 hours per year, the incorporation of geospatial technology into strategic planning, and the strengthening of redundant communication to improve operational efficiency (Perry et al., 2023; Rodríguez y Gómez, 2023). It is concluded that comprehensive improvements in wildfire preparedness and response must include investment in infrastructure, the standardization of operational protocols, and attention to the well-being of operational personnel as fundamental pillars for effective and resilient emergency management.