
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 15USC2208]

 
                      TITLE 15--COMMERCE AND TRADE
 
                 CHAPTER 49--FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
 
Sec. 2208. National Fire Data Center


(a) Functions

    The Administrator shall operate, directly or through contracts or 
grants, an integrated, comprehensive National Fire Data Center for the 
selection, analysis, publication, and dissemination of information 
related to the prevention, occurrence, control, and results of fires of 
all types. The program of such Data Center shall be designed to (1) 
provide an accurate nationwide analysis of the fire problem, (2) 
identify major problem areas, (3) assist in setting priorities, (4) 
determine possible solutions to problems, and (5) monitor the progress 
of programs to reduce fire losses. To carry out these functions, the 
Data Center shall gather and analyze--
        (1) information on the frequency, causes, spread, and 
    extinguishment of fires;
        (2) information on the number of injuries and deaths resulting 
    from fires, including the maximum available information on the 
    specific causes and nature of such injuries and deaths, and 
    information on property losses;
        (3) information on the occupational hazards faced by 
    firefighters, including the causes of deaths and injuries arising, 
    directly and indirectly, from firefighting activities;
        (4) information on all types of firefighting activities, 
    including inspection practices;
        (5) technical information related to building construction, fire 
    properties of materials, and similar information;
        (6) information on fire prevention and control laws, systems, 
    methods, techniques, and administrative structures used in foreign 
    nations;
        (7) information on the causes, behavior, and best method of 
    control of other types of fire, including, but not limited to, 
    forest fires, brush fires, fire underground, oil blow-out fires, and 
    water-borne fires; and
        (8) such other information and data as is deemed useful and 
    applicable.

(b) Methods

    In carrying out the program of the Data Center, the Administrator is 
authorized to--
        (1) develop standardized data reporting methods;
        (2) encourage and assist State, local, and other agencies, 
    public and private, in developing and reporting information; and
        (3) make full use of existing data gathering and analysis 
    organizations, both public and private.

(c) Dissemination of fire data

    The Administrator shall insure dissemination to the maximum extent 
possible of fire data collected and developed by the Data Center, and 
shall make such data, information, and analysis available in appropriate 
form to Federal agencies, State and local governments, private 
organizations, industry, business, and other interested persons.

(Pub. L. 93-498, Sec. 9, Oct. 29, 1974, 88 Stat. 1541.)

                          Transfer of Functions

    Functions of National Fire Prevention and Control Administration 
[now United States Fire Administration] and National Academy for Fire 
Prevention and Control generally transferred to Federal Emergency 
Management Agency. For further details see Transfer of Functions note 
set out under section 2202 of this title.
