How do fire-fighter fatality statistics in your country
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Release Date: October 6, 2004
Emmitsburg, MD. Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced today the
release of the report on Firefighter Fatalities in the United States
in 2003. The report details the circumstances surrounding the 111 firefighter
fatalities that occurred in 2003. The report also contains special reports
on alcohol use in the fire service, risk management and special focuses
on diesel exhaust emissions and fires in which firefighters become disoriented
inside of buildings.
"The information contained in this report is an important tool
for the prevention of future firefighter fatalities. If we can identify
trends, we can prevent future deaths," said The Under Secretary.
"Many of these deaths are preventable with information, training
and continuing our vigilant efforts to maintain safe firefighting practices."
The 111 deaths in 2003 are 111 percent of the 10-year average and 108
percent of the 5-year average. The 111 deaths resulted from a total
of 98 incidents. There were 7 multiple firefighter fatality incidents.
The median age for firefighters who died while on-duty in 2003 was 46
years and 5 months. Two 16-year-old firefighters died in 2003 and the
oldest firefighter to die was 81 years of age.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to
lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively
manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national
incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains
first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and
the U.S. Fire Administration |
