North Raleigh Today

The Raleigh Fire Department is leveraging data analytics to improve its operations and enhance fire safety across the city. Andrea Saravitz, a data and strategy analyst who joined the department last year, plays a key role in guiding decisions by analyzing fire incident data. Her insights assist in determining optimal locations for future fire stations, efficient deployment of fire trucks, and targeted areas for smoke alarm campaigns.

Saravitz describes her job as multifaceted, involving the collection, management, and application of data to real-world problems. “I collect data, manage it, and make it accessible to the department and the rest of the City. The key part of my job is analyzing data for use in the real world,” she explains.

Her role is situated in the department’s Administrative division, where she collaborates with several teams, including Logistics and the Office of the Fire Marshall, as well as other City departments like Emergency Communications and Planning. “I work a lot on project management and my key partner is Logistics. For instance, I’m working to move towards a data-driven approach for analyzing growth and determining where we need to build a new fire station,” Saravitz elaborates.

Saravitz also enjoys working with geographic information systems (GIS) to create maps, balancing her collaborative tasks with more independent projects. Her unique perspective is valued within the department, as noted by Senior Fiscal Analyst Adam Perry, who commends her innovative and forward-thinking contributions. “She has learned a lot about providing fire services to the community, and ways she can make a positive impact,” Perry says.

Holding a master’s degree in data analytics from North Carolina State University and a background in statistics, Saravitz has joined the City of Raleigh as part of her commitment to using data to foster community improvement. Her decision to work for her hometown rather than pursuing a career in consulting or banking is something she cherishes. “It’s wonderful to work for my hometown and try to improve our community,” she expresses.