Fatal Firefighter Injuries in the US in 2022

Richard Campbell and Jay T. Petrillo

June 2023

Copyright © 2023 National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)

Overview of fatal firefighter injuries in 2022 Figure 1. On-Duty Firefighter Deaths: 1977–2022*
200
Firefighters work in hazardous environments and engage in a variety 174
of activities that place them at risk for injury. In 2022, NFPA
reported that a total of 96 fatal firefighter injuries occurred while the 160
136
victims were on duty. This fatal injury count is higher than recent
years and the highest since 2013, when 98 on-duty deaths were 120 114
106
reported. This increase is largely due to the inclusion of deaths 98 96
occurring within 24 hours of duty. These deaths were previously not 79
counted unless there was a specific physical complaint while on 80
duty.
Of the 96 firefighters who died of on-duty injuries in 2022, 51 were 40
volunteer firefighters, 38 were career firefighters, six were 17
contractors to state and federal land management agencies, and one
0
was a full-time federal land management employee. 1977 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2022
There were six multiple fatality incidents in 2022, tied for the highest *Does not include the 340 firefighter deaths at the World Trade Center in 2001.
number of multiple fatality incidents since 2009. Five of these
incidents resulted in two firefighter deaths and one resulted in three
Introduction
firefighter deaths. Each year, NFPA collects information about on-duty US firefighter fatalities
Figure 1 shows the annual firefighter fatal injury totals since 1977, and maintains the information in a database. Information about these deaths,
excluding the 340 firefighter deaths that occurred on 9/11 and the including their causes and circumstances, can be useful in monitoring trends
deaths resulting from 9/11 exposures in subsequent years. The data and identifying opportunities for prevention efforts. In this report, we
show a consistent downward trend in fatalities over time, with the provide a summary of the fatal firefighter injuries that took place in 2022.
high count over each decade being lower than the previous. The The fatalities covered in this research draw from several types of
highest fatal injury total was 174 firefighter deaths in 1978 and the firefighting populations. These include:
lowest was 48 deaths in 2019. Fatal injuries for 2022 were recorded
as an overall total of 96 deaths and subdivided to designate 79 deaths • Members of local career and volunteer firefighting departments
as being within the traditional inclusion criteria of this study and • Prison inmates serving on firefighting crews
17 deaths occurring within 24 hours of duty. • Seasonal, full-time, and contract employees who have fire
suppression responsibilities in their job description
This annual study includes only on-duty fatal firefighter injuries that
• Military personnel performing assigned fire suppression activities
occurred in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
• Civilian firefighters working at military installations
• Members of facility or industrial fire brigades
NFPA Research • pg. 1
At times, there may be a considerable delay between an injury or the reporting criteria in presuming that these deaths were precipitated by
onset of illness and the resulting death. Fatalities are assigned to the activities taking place while the victim was on-duty.
year of the initial incident in cases where death occurred in a
In order to enable a comparison of fatal injury totals with prior years,
subsequent year. Accordingly, the number of deaths in a particular
we report the number of these newly-included fatal injuries in the
year may change as additions are made to annual totals following the
fatality total.
receipt of new information.
There are other firefighter fatality data collection efforts with
Fatalities included in the research different inclusion criteria. Readers are cautioned to be attentive to
The fatalities included in this research are those resulting from these criteria when seeking information on firefighter fatalities.
traumatic injury, heart attack, or stroke while victims were on duty or Type of duty
within 24 hours of duty. The on-duty designation refers to a variety
of injury scenarios that are eligible for inclusion in this research. In this report, we look at four major categories of type of duty that
Primary among these are injuries sustained while: firefighters were engaged in when they were fatally injured or
suffered fatal medical events—on the fireground, at non-fire
• At the scene of an alarm (fire or emergency medical or other emergencies, responding to or returning from fires and emergency
responses) calls, and during training. The remaining deaths occurred while
• While responding to or returning from an alarm firefighters were engaged in other on-duty activities.
• While participating in other department duties (such as
training, maintenance, public education, investigations, etc.) Figure 2 shows the distribution of the 96 deaths by type of duty. The
largest share of deaths occurred on the fireground while firefighters
• While on call or standby for assignment at a location other
were operating at fires or explosions (34 deaths). Although this
than at the firefighter’s home or place of business
continues the clear downward trend in deaths since the late 1970s—
Illnesses or medical conditions other than heart attacks or strokes are when the number of fireground deaths annually averaged more than
not included in the study. 80 per year—the 2022 total is higher than the average for the previous
Historically, this research has excluded fatal heart attacks or strokes 10 years, and is the highest total since 2013, when 57 firefighters
except in cases where symptoms or complaints of symptoms were were killed in fireground incidents.
reported while victims were on duty. We have expanded the inclusion Of the 34 fireground deaths, 18 occurred at structure fires, nine at
criteria in this report to include cardiac deaths that occurred within wildland fires or prescribed burns, two involved vehicles, and one
24 hours of non-routine strenuous or stressful physical activity while involved a commercial dumpster fire. Fourteen of the 34 fireground
victims were on duty, irrespective of manifested or reported symptoms. victims were volunteer firefighters, 13 were career firefighters, and
These inclusion criteria are consistent with those establishing seven were contractors to or employees of state or federal land
eligibility for federal death benefits under the Hometown Heroes Act management agencies. Eleven of the deaths were cardiac-related and
(deaths within 24 hours of non-routine strenuous or stressful physical two others were due to medical issues.
activity while on duty). They are also consistent with historical

NFPA Research • pg. 2

 Figure 2. Firefighter Deaths by Type of Duty: 2022 vehicle that had driven into the water and the second when the
Other duty, 4% firefighter fell through the ice in a rescue attempt. The remaining
Non-fire emergency, 9% deaths included two victims of cardiac incidents and one homicide.
Three of the victims were career firefighters and six were volunteer
Fireground, 35% firefighters.
Training, 10%
Fourteen firefighters died in the course of duties at the fire station.
Most of these deaths involved cardiac incidents (7 deaths) or medical
EMS, 4% conditions (4 deaths). Two deaths resulted from drug overdoses and
one was caused by crushing. Eleven of the victims were career
firefighters and three were volunteer firefighters.

Normal station duty, 15% Four firefighters died while performing EMS duties. All of these
Respondimg/returning, 22% deaths were cardiac incidents. Three victims were volunteer
firefighters and one was a career firefighter.

Just over one-fifth of the firefighter deaths (21) occurred while The remaining four fatalities included three cardiac incidents and a
responding to or returning from alarms. Fatal injuries due to fall from height while performing clean-up duties at the station. One
overexertion/strain/stress and collisions with other vehicles each of the cardiac incidents followed the performance of maintenance
accounted for seven deaths. Three deaths were the result of being duties at the fire station and two came after responding to alarms.
struck by a non-fire department vehicle and one resulted from being
Cause of injury
struck by a falling object. Two deaths were caused by vehicles
overturning and one death was caused by a collision with a stationary Figure 3 shows the distribution of deaths by the cause of the fatal
object. All of the victims were municipal firefighters, with volunteer injury or illness. The term cause refers to the action, lack of action,
firefighters accounting for 16 of the 21 deaths. or circumstances that directly resulted from the fatal injury.

Ten firefighter deaths resulted from training activities. Four of these Overexertion and stress accounted for just over one-half of the
deaths involved cardiac events and four were due to medical deaths in 2022. Of the 49 deaths in this category, 34 were sudden
conditions. Two deaths resulted from trauma injuries—one when the cardiac incidents and one was due to cardiac symptoms. Eleven
firefighter was struck by a non-fire department vehicle and one when deaths had an unspecified medical cause, and one was due to a
the firefighter fell from height. Four of the training death victims stroke or aneurysm. Two deaths were the result of drug overdoses.
were career firefighters and six were volunteer firefighters.
Fourteen firefighters died in vehicle crashes. Seven of these deaths
Nine firefighters died while responding to non-fire emergencies. were caused by collisions with other vehicles, four by collisions
Four of these deaths were the result of being struck by non-fire with stationary objects, and three in which vehicles overturned. In
department vehicles. Two firefighters drowned while trying save addition, eight deaths resulted from firefighters being struck by non-
victims trapped in water—one while trying to save passengers from a department vehicles.
NFPA Research • pg. 3
 Figure 3. Firefighter Deaths by Cause of Injury: 2022 Figure 4. Firefighter Deaths by Nature of Injury: 2022

Overexertion/stress 51% Sudden cardiac 38%

Crashes 15% Traumatic injury 34%
Struck by vehicle, equipment 9% Unspecified
11%
medical
Rapid fire progress 7%
Asphyxiation 4%
Structure collapse 5%
Burns 4%
Struck by falling object 4%
Drug overdose 2%
Fall from height 2%
Drowning 2%
Other 6%
Other 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Seven firefighters died as a result of rapid fire progress or

As in almost every year since 1977, sudden cardiac death accounted for
explosions. Four of these deaths occurred at residential structures,
the largest share of the deaths, with 36 deaths in 2022. Sudden cardiac
two at agricultural structures, and one at the scene of a wildfire.
deaths will be discussed in more detail in the next section. Eleven
Five firefighters died as a result of structural collapses, with three of firefighters died as a result of unspecified medical issues.
these deaths occurring at a single incident in a vacant building. One
Trauma injuries accounted for 33 firefighter deaths. These deaths
firefighter died when the roof and top story of a multi-story building
included 20 internal trauma deaths, six deaths by crushing, five deaths
collapsed and the remaining death occurred in the collapse of a
due to unspecified traumatic injuries, and two deaths due to gunshot
commercial building.
injuries or projectile wounds.
Four firefighters suffered fatal injuries after being struck by falling
The deaths from trauma or crushing included 13 deaths from crashes
objects, all of whom were wildland firefighters struck by falling
while responding to or returning from alarms, three deaths from being
trees. Two firefighters died as a result of falls from height at their
struck by other vehicles at the scene of motor vehicle accidents, and
fire stations.
one death from being struck by a vehicle while attending a firefighter
The six remaining deaths included two deaths as a result of assault, event. Three of the responding/returning crashes each claimed two
two drownings, and two deaths with undetermined or unreported lives. Four firefighters died in helicopter crashes while working at
causes. wildfires.
Nature of injury Five firefighters died as a result of traumatic injuries suffered in roof or
floor collapses while they were performing extinguishment or other
The term nature refers to the medical process by which death occurred
interior duties.
and is often referred to as the cause of death on death certificates and in
autopsy reports. Figure 4 shows the distribution of deaths by the nature
of the fatal injury or illness. NFPA Research • pg. 4
Trauma deaths also included four firefighters who were struck by trees Because the new inclusion criteria include deaths that would not have
at wildfires. Two other firefighters died from traumatic injuries at been counted in prior years, two numbers must be considered in the
agricultural properties—one who died at a barn explosion and another discussion of cardiac deaths—the number of cardiac deaths occurring
who was struck by a building blown over during a violent storm while under the traditional criteria and the smaller number representing the
he was responding to an alarm. deaths occurring within 24 hours. The combination of these two
numbers represents the cardiac death total for 2022, but separating the
Three firefighters died from burn injuries while working at wildfires
newly added cardiac deaths allows for a comparison with historical
and another while extinguishing a grass fire.
trends.
Three firefighters suffered asphyxiation injuries while performing
A total of 36 firefighters died as a result of sudden cardiac deaths in
search and rescue duties and another died during overhaul. A fourth
2022. Of this total, 20 deaths occurred while firefighters were on duty
firefighter suffered asphyxiation injuries while performing
(the traditional count) and 16 deaths occurred within 24 hours of duty.
extinguishment at a structure fire.
Career firefighters accounted for 14 of the sudden cardiac deaths and
Two firefighters suffered fatal gunshot injuries—one while volunteer firefighters for 22 of the deaths.
responding to a dumpster fire and the second while rendering
Figure 5 shows the distribution of cardiac deaths between on-duty
assistance at a motor vehicle accident.
deaths and deaths within 24 hours for career and volunteer
Eleven firefighters died as a result of unspecified medical causes. firefighters. While the 20 on-duty deaths are evenly divided between
Four of these deaths occurred during training activities, four during career and volunteer firefighters, volunteer firefighters account for the
activities at the station, one while performing suppression support, majority of the cardiac deaths that occurred within 24 hours of duty.
and one while driving a department apparatus. Information was not
Figure 5. Firefighter Sudden Cardiac Deaths: 2022
available on the final unspecified medical death.
14
Cardiac deaths Career Volunteer
12
12
Sudden cardiac deaths or cardiac conditions regularly account for the
10 10
largest share of on-duty firefighter deaths. As previously noted, 10
inclusion criteria were expanded this year to include deaths that
occurred within 24 hours of duty. These fatalities were not 8

previously included except in cases where firefighters had made a

6
physical complaint prior to going off duty. Sudden cardiac deaths
4
accounted for 16 of the newly included deaths. The remaining 24- 4
hour death was due to an aneurysm. We should also note that an
unknown number of deaths due to unspecified medical causes in 2
2022 were likely to be cardiac-related, so the number of cardiac
0
deaths reported here is likely to understate the true total. On-duty Within 24 Hours

NFPA Research • pg. 5

The total of 36 sudden cardiac deaths is higher than the 2021 total of Ages of firefighters
31 sudden cardiac deaths. However, this increase is inflated by the The firefighters who suffered fatal injuries in 2022 ranged in age
inclusion of cardiac deaths within 24 hours, which were not included from 19 to 85. Figure 7 shows the number of firefighter deaths in
in the 2021 study. If the newly included cardiac deaths are subtracted 2022 by age group. As the figure indicates, firefighters aged 46 to 50
from the 2022 figure, the on-duty cardiac deaths show a 35 percent experienced the highest number of fatal injuries with 11 deaths. This
decrease over the number of cardiac deaths in 2021. reflects in part the ability of many career firefighters to retire
Sudden cardiac death nevertheless remains the number one cause of between 50 and 57 years of age. Sixteen of the 17 firefighters who
on-duty firefighter fatalities in the US and has accounted for the were 61 years or older were volunteer firefighters. The number of
largest share of firefighter deaths in almost every year of this report. deaths per age group generally declines with each subsequent age
The large share of volunteer firefighters among the cardiac deaths group. Seven of the firefighters who were 25 years or younger were
within 24 hours is an indication of a need for special attention to volunteers, while three were career firefighters and one was a
fitness and medical monitoring of the volunteer firefighter wildland contract firefighter.
population.
Age is a significant risk factor for sudden cardiac death. Figure 6 shows Figure 7. Firefighter Deaths by Age: 2022
the age distribution of the sudden cardiac deaths in 2022. As the figure
18 17
indicates, there is a clear age gradient in cardiac deaths, with firefighters
aged 55 or older accounting for one-half of the cardiac deaths. 16
Firefighters who were between the ages of 45 and 54 accounted for 35 14
percent of the cardiac deaths and those less than 45 years of age 11 11
12
accounted for the remaining 15 percent of deaths. 10 10
10
Figure 6. Firefighter Sudden Cardiac Deaths: 2022 8
8 7
60%
6 5 5 5
50% 4
50% 4 3

40% 2
35%
0
30% <21 21–25 26–30 31–35 36–40 41–45 46–50 51–55 56–60 61–65 66–70 >70

20% 15%

10%

0%
< 44 yrs. 45 - 54 yrs. 55 yrs and older
NFPA Research • pg. 6
Multiple fatality incidents • Two volunteer firefighters responded to a late afternoon
residential fire with possible entrapment. The firefighters sent
There were six fatality incidents in 2022 that claimed the lives of mayday calls from the second floor approximately one hour into
more than one firefighter. This represents an increase over the two the fire. A rapid intervention team entered the structure and
multiple-fatality incidents recorded in 2021 and is the highest removed the victims, immediately transferring them to the
number of multiple-fatality incidents since 2009, which also hospital, but they succumbed to their injuries shortly afterward.
recorded six multiple-fatality incidents.
Four of the incidents involved vehicles, each resulting in two Career/volunteer comparison
fatalities. The two remaining incidents involved structure fires, one Figure 8 shows the number of career and volunteer firefighter deaths
in which three firefighters were killed in a building collapse and the since 1977. The figure shows that 51 volunteers and 38 career
other in which two firefighters died after sending a mayday from the firefighters died as a result of fatal injuries in 2022. These totals
second floor of a house. represent a substantial increase over the 2021 total of 35 volunteer
• Two volunteer firefighters were killed in a motor vehicle and 27 career firefighters. However, this figure includes 13 volunteer
collision with a semi-tractor trailer while returning from a deaths that occurred within 24 hours of duty (12 cardiac deaths and
mutual aid traffic incident. They were pronounced dead at the one stroke) and four career cardiac deaths within 24 hours. If these
scene. deaths that have been included under the study’s new reporting
• Two volunteer firefighters were killed while responding to the criteria are subtracted from the 2022 totals for consistency with prior
scene of a vehicle incident when their apparatus was struck by a counts, the increase is less dramatic, yielding counts of 38 volunteer
semi-tractor trailed while they were attempting to use an and 35 career firefighter deaths in 2022.
emergency crossover. Both firefighters died at the scene. As Figure 8 shows, there is a clear if irregular downward trend in the
• Two volunteer firefighters were killed while returning from a annual fatality counts over time for both career and volunteer
wildland fire in a brush truck when their vehicle was struck by a firefighters, with the high for each decade in most cases being lower
truck that failed to yield, causing the brush truck to roll over. than the previous, even with the expanded inclusion criteria in 2022.
• Two wildland contract pilots were killed when their helicopter The total of 51 volunteer fatalities in 2022 represents a 49 percent
crashed while fighting a wildland fire. The firefighters died from decrease from the high of 101 volunteer deaths in 1978, while the
injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital. total of 38 career fatalities in 2022 represents a 46 percent decrease
• Three career firefighters died while fighting a fire inside a vacant from the high of 70 deaths in 1977.
rowhouse after a partial building collapse. The firefighters were
removed following a mayday call, but one victim died at the
scene and two succumbed after transport to a hospital. A fourth
firefighter survived the collapse.

NFPA Research • pg. 7

 Figure 8. Career and Volunteer Deaths: 1977–2022 Long-term effects of work as a firefighter
120
This study focuses on firefighter deaths resulting from traumatic
Career Volunteer
injury, cardiac deaths, and strokes or aneurysms. NFPA recognizes
100 101
that work as a firefighter is also responsible for fatalities for chronic
illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, that arise from
80 81
70 occupational factors and can prove fatal. However, it is not possible
71
to include deaths resulting from chronic and multifactorial exposures
60 61
55 51
due to limitations in establishing work relationships between
43 exposures and deaths.
40 39 38
An additional challenge for establishing a comprehensive count of
20 firefighter deaths is the well-publicized problem of firefighter
suicide. Although this study includes firefighter suicides that
0 occurred on-duty, work as a firefighter is also recognized as
1977 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2022 contributing to suicides that occur when firefighters are off-duty or
have retired.
Even with the increase over 2021 totals influenced by the inclusion
Suicide: According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
of 24-hour fatalities, the total of 51 volunteer deaths in 2022 is far
(FBHA), 80 firefighters died by suicide in 2022. (This number might
lower than the average total of 67 annual volunteer deaths in the
change as new reports are validated by the FBHA.)
early years of the study, while the total of 38 career firefighter deaths
is lower than the average total of 57 annual deaths in the study’s Recognition of the importance of behavioral health programs and
early years. peer support for firefighters has become widespread in recent years.
As with heart disease and cancer, this is a problem that follows
A breakdown of career and volunteer firefighter deaths is available
firefighters after their careers end, whether in retirement or some
in Table 1.
other form of separation from the fire service.
Non-municipal firefighters Many programs exist to address these problems, including Share
Seven non-municipal firefighters suffered fatal injuries in 2022. Six of the Load, an effort by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
these firefighters were contractors to state or federal land management that connects firefighters, EMTs, and their families with resources
agencies and one was a full-time wildland firefighter. Three of the and support for their mental well-being. In June 2020, the NVFC
firefighters were killed when they were struck by falling trees while launched a directory of licensed behavioral health professionals
performing duties at wildfires. An additional three firefighters were familiar with the fire service culture to help improve access to
killed in helicopter crashes while supporting firefighting at wildfires. behavioral health care for firefighters. The directory can be accessed
The remaining firefighter suffered an unknown medical emergency on the Share the Load web page.
while serving as a crew boss at a wildfire.
NFPA Research • pg. 8
In addition, the IAFF has offered advice on establishing peer support Attention has increasingly focused on cancer risks and cancer
programs. In October 2019, the IAFF launched a suicide reporting prevention in the fire service through research, education, behavioral
system for its members, and it has developed material on coping in changes, and a variety of controls to minimize exposure to
the aftermath of a friend or colleague’s death by suicide. contaminants. To this end, the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) has created a National Firefighter
Additionally, in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters
Registry to promote a better understanding of the links between
Foundation (NFFF), the Medical University of South Carolina has
workplace exposures as a firefighter and cancer. The registry is
developed a training course for counselors who work with
voluntary; additional information can be found here:
firefighters.
https://www.iaff.org/national-firefighter-registry/.
NFPA 1500™, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety,
Health, and Wellness Program, requires access to a behavioral health Conclusion
program that provides assessment, counseling, and treatment for
such issues as “stress, alcohol and substance abuse, anxiety, Work as a firefighter includes significant physical demands and takes
depression, traumatic exposure, suicidality, and personal problems.” place in environments that include a range of hazardous conditions.
The goal of such programs is to change the culture of the fire service, Inclement weather and night-time conditions can add additional risk
help people to identify warning signs, eliminate any stigma to the performance of firefighting duties. Moreover, as this report
associated with mental health issues and asking for help, and provide clearly shows, the risk of injury for firefighters is not confined to
training and assistance with retirement planning. According to work at fire scenes but also includes training activities, non-fire
FBHA statistics, almost one-fifth of the firefighters and EMTs who emergencies, and transport to and from emergency scenes.
died by suicide were retired. Early recognition and treatment of Although the downward trend in the annual number of fatal
behavioral health issues are key to addressing this problem. firefighter injuries is an encouraging indication that injury prevention
Cancer: Cancer is well-recognized as a significant risk in the fire efforts through the years are meeting with success, there is a clear
service. A significant development in the past year was a finding by need for continuing attention to firefighter safety and health.
the International Agency for Research on Cancer in July 2022 that To this end, sudden cardiac deaths remain a critical concern, with the
working as a firefighter is a cause of cancer (sufficient evidence for inclusion of deaths within 24 hours of duty bringing the issue into
mesothelioma and bladder cancer and limited evidence for several sharper focus. Fitness programs, annual medical evaluations, and
other types of cancer). Firefighters are only the second occupational medical monitoring are well-recognized preventive measures for
group to be considered for inclusion as a cause of cancer. cardiac health for all firefighters. But the predominance of volunteer
Although we cannot identify the total number of fire service-related firefighters among the sudden cardiac deaths within 24 hours
cancer deaths that occur each year, 348 firefighters who were added suggests the need for additional areas of intervention. Age is an
to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial died of cancer in 2022. important risk factor for cardiac injury and is an issue that is
particularly relevant to the volunteer firefighter community.

NFPA Research • pg. 9

Education about symptoms of cardiac distress should be a Acknowledgments
component of risk reduction efforts for firefighters. Such efforts have
special importance for volunteers, who may not return to the station This study is made possible with the cooperation and assistance of
following an alarm and have immediate access to medical treatment. the United States fire service, the CDC’s National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, the United States Fire
Vehicle crashes and struck-by-vehicle incidents—a perennial Administration, the Forest Service of the US Department of
concern for firefighters—accounted once again for a substantial Agriculture, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Land
share of the fatal injury deaths in 2022. Three two-fatality crashes in Management of the US Department of the Interior. The authors also
which fire department vehicles were struck by trucks were thank Rita Fahy, the long-time overseer of the NFPA firefighter
especially notable and underscore the importance of vehicle safety fatality study, for her generous assistance throughout the study
awareness, as well as outreach to the public and the transportation period.
industry.
To learn more about research at NFPA visit nfpa.org/research.
Finally, the injuries at structure fires due to roof or floor collapses,
falling objects, entrapment, or rapid fire progress serve as a Email: [email protected].
cautionary reminder that building fires are burning hotter and faster NFPA No. FFF10
than previously due to the proliferation of synthetic materials in
indoor furnishings and engineered structural components. It is vital
that firefighter activities inside structures be undertaken with special
consideration for the potential of a premature failure of structural
components within this new context for building fires.
Advances in firefighting practices and procedures, communications
and equipment, training programs, and education have all helped to
improve safety and health outcomes for the firefighting community
through the years. Still, the unique variety of hazards encountered
by firefighters across their multiple types of duties pose an ongoing
challenge for comprehensive injury prevention. Meeting this
challenge will require commitment from a variety of actors within
and outside the fire service.

NFPA Research • pg. 10

 Table 1. Comparison of On-Duty Deaths of Career and Volunteer Firefighters: 2022*

Career Firefighters Volunteer Firefighters

Number of Deaths Percent of Deaths Number of Deaths Percent of Deaths

Type of duty
Operating at fireground 13 34% 14 27%
Responding to or returning from alarms 5 13% 16 31%
Operating at non-fire emergencies 3 8% 6 12%
Training 4 11% 6 12%
Normal station activity 11 29% 3 6%
Emergency medical service 1 3% 3 6%
Other on-duty activity 1 3% 3 6%
TOTALS 38 100% 51 100%

Cause of fatal injury

Overexertion/stress/other related medical 22 58% 26 51%
Rapid fire progress 2 5% 4 8%
Struck by vehicle 4 11% 4 8%
Motor vehicle crash 2 5% 6 12%
Fell 1 3% 1 2%
Structural collapse 5 13% 0 0%
Overturned, no collision 0 2% 3 6%
Assault 1 3% 1 2%
Struck by equipment 1 3% 0 0%
Struck by falling object 0 0% 1 2%
Trapped underwater 0 0% 2 4%
Trapped by explosion 0 0% 1 2%
Contact with fire 0 0% 1 2%
Undetermined 0 0% 1 2%
TOTALS 38 100% 51 100%

*The data in this table includes municipal firefighters only.

NFPA Research • pg. 11

 Table 1. Comparison of On-Duty Deaths of Career and Volunteer Firefighters: 2022* (Continued)

Career Firefighters Volunteer Firefighters

Number of Deaths Percent of Deaths Number of Deaths Percent of Deaths

Nature of fatal injury

Sudden cardiac death 14 37% 22 43%
Internal trauma/crushing 10 37% 15 29%
Asphyxia, including smoke inhalation 2 5% 2 4%
Burns 0 0% 4 8%
Stroke 3 11% 1 2%
Gunshot, projectile wound 1 4% 1 2%
Drug overdose 2 5% 0 0%
Drowning 0 0% 2 4%
Unspecified medical symptoms 3 8% 4 8%
Undetermined 3 8% 0 0%
TOTALS 38 100% 51 100%

Rank
Firefighter 25 66% 22 43%
Company officer 10 26% 9 18%
Chief officer 2 5% 17 33%
Fire investigator 0 0% 1 2%
Undetermined or not reported 1 3% 2 4%
TOTALS 38 100% 51 100%

Ages of firefighters —
⁠ All deaths
20 and under 1 4% 2 4%
21 to 25 2 5% 5 10%
26 to 30 1 3% 2 4%
31 to 35 7 18% 4 8%
36 to 40 5 13% 4 8%
41 to 45 1 3% 2 4%
46 to 50 11 29% 5 10%
51 to 55 4 11% 7 14%
56 to 60 5 13% 4 8%
61 to 65 1 3% 4 8%
66 to 70 0 0% 7 14%
71 to 75 0 0% 2 4%
Over 75 0 0% 3 6%
TOTALS 38 100% 51 100%

*The data in this table includes municipal firefighters only.

NFPA Research • pg. 12
 Table 1. Comparison of On-Duty Deaths of Career and Volunteer Firefighters: 2022* (Continued)

Career Firefighters Volunteer Firefighters

Number of Deaths Percent of Deaths Number of Deaths Percent of Deaths

Ages of firefighters —
⁠ Sudden cardiac deaths
only
21 to 25 0 0% 0 0%
26 to 30 0 0% 0 0%
31 to 35 3 30% 1 6%
36 to 40 0 0% 1 6%
41 to 45 0 0% 0 0%
46 to 50 4 40% 1 6%
51 to 55 0 0% 1 6%
56 to 60 2 20% 2 13%
61 to 65 1 10% 2 13%
Over 65 0 0% 8 50%
TOTALS 10 100% 16 100%

Ages of firefighters —
⁠ Sudden cardiac deaths
only
21 to 25 0 0% 0 0%
26 to 30 0 0% 1 8%
31 to 35 0 0% 0 0%
36 to 40 0 0% 1 6%
41 to 45 0 0% 0 0%
46 to 50 1 25% 3 25%
51 to 55 1 25% 2 17%
56 to 60 2 50% 1 6%
61 to 65 0 0% 1 8%
66 to 70 0 0% 2 17%
Over 70 0 0% 1 8%
TOTALS 4 100% 12 100%

*The data in this table includes municipal firefighters only.

NFPA Research • pg. 13

 Table 1. Comparison of On-Duty Deaths of Career and Volunteer Firefighters: 2022* (Continued)

Career Firefighters Volunteer Firefighters

Number of Deaths Percent of Deaths Number of Deaths Percent of Deaths

Fireground deaths by fixed property use

Homes 5 38% 5 36%
Apartments 3 23% 0 0%
Clinic or infirmary 0 0% 1 7%
Unspecified residential 2 15% 0 0%
Agricultural structure 0 0% 2 14%
Wildland 1 8% 4 29%
Parking lot 1 8% 0 0%
Vehicle 0 0% 2 14%
Undetermined 1 8% 0 0%
TOTALS 13 100% 14 100%

Years of service
6 to 10 3 11% 7 14%
11 to 15 5 4% 5 10%
16 to 20 7 33% 3 6%
21 to 25 7 7% 6 12%
26 to 30 5 7% 5 10%
31 to 35 3 4 8%
36 to 40 0 0% 3 6%
41 to 45 0 0% 2 4%
46 to 50 0 0% 1 2%
More than 50 0 0% 3 6%
TOTALS 38 100% 51 100%

*The data in this table includes municipal firefighters only.

NFPA Research • pg. 14

Select 2022 firefighter fatal injury narratives egress points. The deceased firefighter was caught directly under the
collapse and was unable to escape. A mayday was transmitted, and a
Captain shot and killed on fire scene third alarm was requested, bringing the total number of firefighters
A 47-year-old fire captain was shot and killed while operating at a on scene to over one hundred and thirty (130). The trapped
structure fire. In the early morning hours, the fire department was firefighter was subsequently removed from the building but
dispatched to a reported dumpster fire up against a commercial succumbed to his injuries.
building. According to the medical examiner, the cause of death was listed as
During operations, the captain and the crew of his engine company smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
were assigned to enter the commercial structure to check for fire Chief killed after fall in station
extension. The captain was in the process of forcing entry through a
rear roll-up door using a saw to cut the lock when an occupant fired a A 54-year-old fire chief was killed while performing station cleaning
gun multiple times through the door, striking the captain in the chest. and maintenance duties. At approximately 6:30 p.m. the fire chief
The captain was able to immediately retreat toward his apparatus was using a hydraulic lift while performing routine cleaning and
where firefighters discovered he had been hit by the gunfire. station maintenance. The chief was working on the elevated lift in
close proximity to one of the station bay doors when the door was
Life-saving efforts were immediately initiated on the injured captain, inadvertently opened, striking the lift and causing the chief to fall
and he was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to approximately 25 feet to the floor below.
his injuries. The alleged shooter was subsequently arrested, and the
incident remains under investigation. He was immediately treated for his injuries and transported to the
hospital by other on-scene members of the department. He passed
31-year-old firefighter killed in collapse away from blunt force trauma one day later.
At 1:04 p.m. the fire department was dispatched to a reported Fire lieutenant killed when struck by tractor-trailer truck
structure fire in a multifamily residential dwelling. On arrival,
companies reported heavy fire showing from the structure and the While operating at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on a two-
incident commander immediately requested a second alarm, bringing lane highway, a 35-year-old fire lieutenant was killed and a sheriff’s
additional companies to the scene. deputy was injured when a tractor-trailer truck drove into the
accident scene.
Members of the initial engine company stretched an attack line and
were operating with four members on the second floor of the three- At approximately 3 p.m., fire and EMS units were dispatched to a
story wood frame residential structure when conditions began to motor vehicle accident with injuries. Road conditions were reported
deteriorate. The incident commander was ordering all firefighters to to be wet on the two-lane highway. Crews extricated and treated the
evacuate the building when conditions rapidly deteriorated, causing a vehicle occupants.
sudden collapse of the second floor. Of the four-person crew, three
were able to escape through windows and using ladders at other
NFPA Research • pg. 15
After the incident was mitigated and the injured civilians were At approximately 2:00 p.m., the helicopter launched from its home
transported to the hospital, the engine company and sheriff’s deputy base to respond to a wildfire and assist with bucket drops and other
remained on scene to complete administrative duties. aerial support for the fire crews on the ground. The flight crew
consisted of a pilot, two tactical observers, and the fire lieutenant,
As the incident was concluding, a semi-tractor trailer struck the rear
who was serving as the rescue specialist for this mission. After
of the engine which was positioned to protect the scene. The tractor
performing approximately 20 bucket drops, the crew returned to the
trailer then veered off to the right, striking the original accident
staging airport to refuel. The aircraft then took off from the staging
vehicle and the sheriff’s deputy. The truck then rolled over and came
area at approximately 6:40 p.m. to return to its home base, as their
to rest on its side, trapping the fire lieutenant underneath. Additional
missions for the day were complete.
emergency units were brought to the scene to tend to the injured
sheriff’s deputy and to extricate the fire lieutenant from under the At about 7:20 p.m., the last automatic dependent surveillance-
cab of the truck. broadcast (ADS-B) data indicated the craft was traveling west about
one-half mile (0.8 km) from the eventual crash site. Witnesses
Once the fire lieutenant was extricated, it was determined he had
reported seeing the helicopter rapidly descending without making
succumbed to his injuries, and he was pronounced deceased on the
any turns and then described seeing a large cloud of dust coming
scene by the medical examiner.
from the suspected crash site.
Two firefighters killed when their apparatus was struck while en
Police dispatch received reports of a downed aircraft in the area.
route to emergency scene
While en route to the site, dispatch reported one of the occupants was
A 43-year-old fire captain and a 69-year-old firefighter were on the phone providing the location of the crash. That caller had
responding to a motor vehicle accident scene shortly after midnight subsequently stopped responding just prior to the arrival of the first
when the fire apparatus they were riding in was struck by a semi- officers. It was later determined it was the fire lieutenant/rescue
tractor-trailer truck. The fire apparatus, a 2000-gallon water tender, specialist who was able to call 911 and provide information
was attempting to turn into an emergency crossover from the 4-lane regarding the crash site.
highway when it was struck by a semi-tractor-trailer traveling in the
The initial responders attempted to provide life-saving measures but
same direction. The collision caused the tender to roll and
determined all four occupants had succumbed to their injuries. It was
subsequently ignite in flames. The tender had all of its emergency
reported the lieutenant died from blunt force trauma caused by the
lights activated at the time of the crash. The captain and firefighter
helicopter falling greater than 500 feet. The crash remains under
both succumbed to thermal and traumatic injuries; the driver of the
investigation.
tractor-trailer was uninjured.
Firefighter succumbs to medical issue while operating at structure
Helicopter crash kills fire lieutenant and three flight crew
fire
A 44-year-old career fire lieutenant was killed, along with three
Just after 1:00 a.m., the fire department was dispatched to a reported
sheriff’s deputies, when the helicopter they were riding in crashed
fire in a multifamily structure. On arrival to the three-story wood-
when returning from the day’s mission.
NFPA Research • pg. 16
framed structure, the first companies were met with heavy black
smoke and fire in the rear of the building. The fire had already
extended into the attic space of the large structure. As crews were
attacking the fire, a 46-year-old firefighter, who was assigned as the
apparatus operator and was outside the building, suddenly became
ill. The firefighter was able to transmit his own mayday to alert the
firefighters still battling the two-alarm blaze of his condition.
Firefighters on scene immediately found the firefighter unresponsive
and began life-saving measures, including CPR and defibrillation.
The firefighter was transported to the hospital where he succumbed a
short time later from an apparent heart attack.

NFPA Research • pg. 17