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2018 NFPA Report on Firefighter Fatalities
From excerpts on NFPA.org:
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently published its yearly "U.S. Firefighter Fatalities in the United States" report, revealing a total of 64 firefighter fatalities while on duty in 2018. This marks the eighth occasion within the last decade where the number of on-duty deaths fell below 70. Compared to the initial years of this study, the current death count is now roughly half of what it used to be.
Out of the 64 fatalities, 34 were volunteers, 25 were career firefighters, four were federal or state agency employees or contractors, and one was an inmate firefighter.
By far, the leading cause of these deaths was overexertion, stress, and medical issues. Among the 28 fatalities in this category, 25 were classified as sudden cardiac deaths, typically heart attacks. Over the past ten years, cardiac-related incidents have accounted for 44% of on-duty deaths, but 2018 saw the third consecutive year with a toll under 30.
Road vehicle crashes came in as the second most common cause of on-duty deaths, with 11 fatalities in 2018. Although this is just slightly lower than the average of 13 deaths per year over the last 40-plus years, it's important to note that during this same period, fire department call volumes have more than tripled.
In 2018, one firefighter was fatally shot while responding to a fire call.
"This report only includes deaths that happen while workers are on the job, whether due to traumatic injuries or the sudden onset of acute medical conditions," explained Fahy. "Research shows that years spent in firefighting can significantly impact a firefighter's health—both physically and emotionally—and can also lead to exposures to toxins that might eventually result in job-related cancer, cardiac, and even suicide deaths, which aren't reflected here."
A fully comprehensive study listing every single duty-related death in a year still isn't feasible at this point.
This firefighter fatality study wouldn't have been possible without the collaboration and support of the U.S. fire service, the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the United States Fire Administration, the USDA's Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management within the U.S. Department of the Interior.
For more information on this release and other NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, check out the NFPA press room.
As someone who closely follows updates in public safety, I find reports like these crucial for understanding the risks our brave firefighters face daily. It's vital we continue supporting efforts to make their work safer and healthier, addressing not just immediate dangers but long-term health impacts too.