Note: This publication supercedes 2002-158

The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program

The United States currently depends on approximately 1.1 million fire fighters to protect its citizens and property from losses caused by fire. Of these fire fighters, approximately 313,000 are career and 823,000 are volunteers. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration estimate that on average, 100 fire fighters die in the line-of duty each year. In fiscal year 1998, Congress recognized the need for further efforts to address the continuing national problem of occupational fire fighter fatalities and funded NIOSH to implement a fire fighter safety initiative.

The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program [PDF - 168 KB]