p-CENTER PROBLEM OF FIRE STATIONS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS
ABUBAKAR, ZAINAB DOGONDAJI
Department of Mathematics, Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
EJIMA OJONUGWA *
Department of Mathematics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
AMINU, A. IBRAHIM
Department of Mathematics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
AMINU MUSTAFA
Department of Mathematics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The fundamental reason why fire service stations are established is to assist neighbourhoods in an emergencies; to protect life and property by minimizing the impact of infernos when ever they occurred. This research used location theory to study the location distribution of these facilities in Sokoto Metropolis to ascertain how centrally they are located.
For the purpose of fairness and equal opportunity to all neighbourhoods within Sokoto metropolis, a constant level of demand was assumed in the calculation of both response time by distance and response time by international standard.
We discover that these fire stations are not optimally located, hence forcing the response time to an emergency for some neighbourhoods way above the international standard. These neighbourhoods with response time above international standard of 6 minutes were sort out and new possible fire stations that can serve them within the acceptable international standard response time recommended.
Keywords: p-center, fire service, sokoto metropolis, fire stations, neighbourhoods