An Economic Evaluation for the Renovation of Fire Brigade in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Case of Lebanon

This paper focuses on the economic efficiency of investing in firefighting and rescue services in low and middleincome countries. A case study is developed by analyzing the intervention of two United Nations agencies, and funded by the European Union, in the renovation and enhancement of the Fire Brigade Department in the Urban Community Al-Fayhaa (UCF) in North Lebanon. The number of residents within the geographical area of UCF has increased by 25% after the Syrian crisis. This drastic increase, coupled with (i) protests and riots, (ii) devaluation of the currency, and (iii) lockdown due to CO VID pandemic, negatively affected the efficiency and the level of services provided by the Fire Brigade to serve all residents including Lebanese citizens, displaced Syrian, and Palestinian refugees. The intervention aims to enhance the function of the Fire Brigade in performing firefighting services by building capabilities, enhancing equipment, renovating the facility to respond and accomplish the assigned tasks. The hypothesis tested is that the intervention will enhance the efficiency of the internal operations, which will increase the responsiveness and decrease the intensity of fires. A Benefit-Cost Analysis was conducted to project the reduction in response time, and all benefits related to minimizing fatality rates, injuries, and property losses. The study spanned over a ten-year period and considered the time value of money. The findings aim to advise policymakers, and aid organizations involved in similar interventions on the role of the economic feasibility in integrating social inclusion in promoting public safety and community well-being.