Firefighter Fatality Retrospective Study

This analysis sought to identify trends in mortality and examine relationships among data elements. To this end, data were collected on firefighter fatalities between 1990 and 2000. (For further information, see the "Methodology" section or the Appendix.) Using this analysis, better targeted prevention strategies can be developed in keeping with the USFA's goal to reduce firefighter deaths 25 percent by 2005. In contrast to the annual USFA firefighter fatality reports, this analysis allowed for comparisons over time to determine any changes in firefighter mortality, with a depth of scrutiny not present in earlier analyses.

Each year in the U.S. & its protectorates, approx. 100 firefighters are killed while on duty & tens of thousands are injured. Although the number of firefighter fatalities has steadily decreased over the past 20 years, the incidence of firefighter fatalities per 100,000 incidents has actually risen. This report identifies trends in mortality & examines relationships among data elements. Data were collected on firefighter fatalities between 1990 & 2000. Using this analysis, better targeted prevention strategies can be developed to reduce firefighter deaths by 25% by 2005. This analysis allowed for comparisons over time to determine any changes in firefighter mortality, with a depth of scrutiny not present in earlier analyses. Charts & tables.