New location intelligence platform will help identify high-risk buildings and guide community prevention campaigns.
Dublin Fire Brigade has introduced a new digital mapping system to strengthen emergency response and improve fire safety across the capital.
The initiative, developed in partnership with Esri Ireland, uses geographic information systems (GIS) to combine operational data with demographic and health insights, enabling more informed decision-making.
“By being better informed, we can improve our responses to incidents and keep our responders safe”
The system, built on Esri’s ArcGIS technology, integrates details such as fire station locations and historic incident data with third-party sources including census information.
This approach allows the brigade to identify buildings with fire safety issues, such as inadequate escape routes or structural defects, and to plan responses accordingly.
Fire prevention strategies
Rob Howell, Station Officer at Dublin Fire Brigade’s Organisational Intelligence Unit, said the technology is already proving transformative.
“This gives us the ability to target our fire prevention strategies. We can deliver campaigns in the right locations to reach the most vulnerable people and have the biggest impact in terms of community fire prevention,” he said.
“Equally, we have to consider firefighters’ health and safety as well as that of the general public and, by being better informed, we can improve our responses to incidents and keep our responders safe.”
The system also supports community outreach by highlighting areas with clusters of dwelling fires or vulnerable populations, such as older residents or smokers. This enables the brigade to focus safety campaigns where they are most needed.
As Dublin continues to grow, the technology is helping identify optimal sites for new fire stations and ensuring aerial appliances are positioned to serve high-rise buildings. The brigade plans to extend access to the system across departments to support strategic planning.
Gareth McBride, customer success manager at Esri Ireland, said the project reflects a broader shift towards embedding geospatial intelligence in public services.
“Location intelligence is helping the Fire Brigade manage and reduce fire risks, addressing some of the biggest dangers in a changing cityscape,” he said. “We are delighted to be working with Dublin Fire Brigade on such an important and necessary project.”
Business lessons:
- Data-Driven Decision Making Improves Operational Efficiency
Integrating location intelligence with operational and demographic data enables smarter resource allocation. Businesses that leverage data insights can optimize infrastructure and reduce costs.
- Targeted Outreach Delivers Greater Impact
By identifying vulnerable communities and focusing prevention campaigns where they matter most, the fire brigade maximizes results. Companies can apply the same principle to marketing and customer engagement.
- Strategic Planning Requires Future-Proofing
Dublin Fire Brigade uses GIS to plan new fire stations as the city expands. Businesses should anticipate growth and invest in scalable systems that support long-term objectives.
- Collaboration Accelerates Innovation
The partnership with Esri Ireland shows how external expertise can unlock new capabilities. Strategic collaborations often lead to faster adoption of advanced technologies.
- Safety and Risk Management Are Competitive Advantages
Prioritising safety for both employees and the public builds trust and resilience. Businesses that proactively manage risk can protect reputation and maintain continuity.
Top image: Gareth McBride, Customer Success Manager, Esri Ireland and Rob Howell, Station Officer, Organisational Intelligence Unit, Dublin Fire Brigade
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