NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Reports, October 2011

During the month of October the NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program released the investigative reports of four firefighter line of duty deaths.

Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation F2010-32
Ohio Volunteer Fire Fighter Killed When Pressurized Water Tank Explodes During Fire Suppression at a Brush Fire

On September 24, 2010, a 26-year-old male volunteer fire fighter (the victim) was killed when a pressurized 120-gallon water tank exploded during fire suppression activities at a brush fire. The water tank was mounted in the rear of the fire department’s Humvee and was part of the department’s portable pressurized water system used for brush and wildland fire suppression.

Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation F2011-04
Missouri Fire Apparatus Operator Suffers Fatal Heart Attack During Annual Fire Department Medical Evaluation

On January 7, 2011, a 54-year-old male career Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) participated in the Fire Department (FD) mandatory annual medical evaluation program scheduled while the FAO and his crew were on-duty. After completing several portions of the evaluation, the FAO began the exercise stress test component.

Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation F2011-12
Minnesota Volunteer Fire Fighter Dies after Falling From a Rope

On May 23, 2011, a 35-year-old male volunteer fire fighter (victim) died after falling from a rope he was climbing after the conclusion of a ropes skills class. The department was conducting a ropes and mechanical advantage haul systems training session that consisted of classroom and practical skills intended to provide the fire fighters rope skills.

Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation F2011-16
Kentucky Fire Fighter Suffers Heart Attack During Structural Fire Fighting Operations and Dies 8 Days Later

On June 30, 2011, a 49-year-old male volunteer fire fighter (FF) responded to a residential structure fire. The FF, wearing full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on-air, climbed a 14-foot ladder to the second floor and performed exterior and interior fire suppression activities for about 30 minutes.