There were 81 on-duty firefighter fatalities as a result of incidents that occurred last year. The fatalities occurred in 31 states, one territory, and one overseas military facility. A record low number of firefighter deaths were caused by heart attacks (39) but deaths caused by vehicle crashes were back up with 18 firefighters killed as the result of 14 accidents — six involving POVs, six involving apparatus, and six from two incidents involving aircraft.
The total break down included 42 volunteer, 28 career, and 11 wildland agency firefighters.
- There were 4 multiple firefighter fatality incidents claiming a total of 10 firefighters.
- Fifteen firefighters died in duties associated with wildland fires.
- Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 45 firefighters.
- Twenty-two firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.
- Seventeen firefighters died while responding to or returning from 16 emergency incidents.
- Eighteen firefighters died as the result of 14 vehicle crashes, six involving POVs, six involving apparatus, and six from two separate incidents involving aircraft.
- Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death with 39 firefighter deaths.
- Eight firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.
- Twelve firefighters died after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.
The 2012 report on Firefighter Fatalities in the United States may be downloaded here.
FRM/FFN: On-Duty & Line of Duty: What Is The Difference? (Carey)
