Formal involves some sort of standardized and recognized methodology, such as ISO, an NFPA assessment done by a Fire Protection Specialist (Fire Marshal, etc).
Informal is the same assessments performed by the department's members using the same ISO & NFPA regulations.
The only major difference between the two is the amount paid to someone to perform a formal. As long as the informal is properly documented then there normally is no weight difference in the resulting assessments.
Brian P. Vickers www.vickersconsultingservices.com
Emergency Services Consulting
Westlake VFD - Houston, TX Proud Member IACOJ - Redneck Division
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