Excerpts from NFPA.org:
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently published its annual report, "U.S. Firefighter Fatalities in the United States," revealing that 64 firefighters lost their lives while on duty in 2018. This marks the eighth time in the last decade that the number of on-duty fatalities has been under 70, and it's also the first time in over 30 years that the death toll has dropped to less than half of what it was during the initial five years of the study.
Out of the 64 deaths, 34 were volunteer firefighters, 25 were career firefighters, four were employees or contractors working for federal or state land management agencies, and one was a prison inmate. These numbers highlight the diverse backgrounds of those who risk their lives daily to protect others.
A significant portion of the deaths—28 in total—were due to overexertion, stress, and medical issues. Of these, 25 were sudden cardiac events, typically heart attacks. While cardiac-related incidents have accounted for about 44% of on-duty deaths over the past ten years, 2018 marked the third year in a row where the number fell below 30. This suggests some progress, but the issue remains serious.
Vehicle crashes were the second leading cause of on-duty deaths, with 11 fatalities recorded in 2018. Although this is slightly lower than the average of 13 per year over the past 40 years, the number of fire department calls has more than tripled during the same period. This raises concerns about the increasing risks faced by firefighters on the road.
In addition to these causes, one firefighter was murdered while responding to a call in 2018, emphasizing the dangers beyond typical fireground hazards.
"This report only includes deaths that occur while firefighters are on duty, whether due to traumatic injuries or acute medical conditions," said Fahy. "However, research shows that long-term exposure to the fire service can take a toll on both physical and mental health, and may lead to job-related illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and even suicide—issues not captured in this report."
Currently, it's still not possible to conduct a comprehensive study that accounts for all duty-related deaths. The NFPA’s report would not be possible without the support of the U.S. fire service, the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the U.S. Fire Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management.
For more information on this report and other NFPA updates, including initiatives, research, and resources, visit the NFPA press room online.
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