Many moons ago, us young, newly hired firefighters would sit in the kitchen and discuss the Ladder Co R&W numbers when they would be released and after careful personal observation. Back then only the "Runs and Workers" were printed on yellow Fire Bell newsletter, later"OSW" were added. We would discuss the surrounding response area that would affect the alarm generation; projects, vacant, large "parkland area", hi-rise, single house ladder companies and all the other variations that could determine the real "fire duty" value. Back then you took into account type rig; TL's that did alot of "vacant" duty and added to the numbers vs rearmounts that were usually told to pick up. Then cross reference the ladder company with the engine company most likely to have worked alongside and compare their "OSW" hours. Like the "Superbowl" pool, or horse racing forms we would ponder the results. Fun discussion.