Quito Fire Department Sees Extensive Growth Since Implementation of NFPA Standards
The Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador, officially incorporated National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) standards into their fire safety ordinance in 2009. That same year, the Quito Fire Department began training its approximately 90 technical fire safety personnel. Shortly after, the department realized that hiring qualified personnel trained in these unique areas was necessary for success, and in 2012 restructured its personnel and training programs. NFPA, specifically its comprehensive training programs, became instrumental in the department’s growth. These programs enable specialization within unique sectors of the industry, which empowers the Quito Fire Department and its team members to thrive. Over the past 10+ years, it stands as one of the most trusted fire departments in Ecuador, using its knowledge to train fire departments around the country.
“Our partnership with NFPA is longstanding," stated Lieutenant Colonel Esteban Cardenas Varela, Chief of the Quito Metropolitan District Fire Department. “For the 26 years I’ve been in the institution, firefighters and operations have relied on NFPA [standards] for the acquisition of equipment and personal protective clothing.”