GITNUXREPORT 2026

Firefighter Death Statistics

Firefighter deaths have declined overall but heart attacks remain the leading cause.

How We Build This Report

01
Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02
Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03
AI-Powered Verification

Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

04
Human Cross-Check

Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Statistics that could not be independently verified are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are elsewhere.

Our process →

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2022, there were 81 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States, a decrease of 12 from 2021.

Statistic 2

In 2021, the US recorded 93 on-duty firefighter deaths, with 37 attributed to heart attacks.

Statistic 3

2020 saw 91 firefighter fatalities in the US, impacted by COVID-19 with 10 deaths directly related.

Statistic 4

In 2019, 48 firefighters died from heart attacks or strokes in the US, out of 65 total on-duty deaths.

Statistic 5

US firefighter deaths totaled 60 in 2018, with a notable spike in wildland fires contributing 14.

Statistic 6

2017 recorded 132 firefighter fatalities in the US, the highest since 2001 due to 11 at a single incident.

Statistic 7

In 2016, 69 on-duty deaths occurred among US firefighters, 34 from medical causes.

Statistic 8

2015 US firefighter fatalities numbered 92, including 21 from cancer-related illnesses during duty.

Statistic 9

2014 saw 81 total firefighter deaths in the US, with 44 career firefighters affected.

Statistic 10

In 2013, 82 firefighters died on duty in the US, 40% volunteer firefighters.

Statistic 11

2012 US on-duty firefighter deaths reached 82, with 27 at fire scenes.

Statistic 12

2011 recorded 81 firefighter fatalities nationwide in the US.

Statistic 13

In 2010, 78 US firefighters died on duty, 45 from sudden cardiac death.

Statistic 14

2009 saw 80 on-duty deaths among US firefighters.

Statistic 15

2008 US firefighter fatalities totaled 105, highest in over a decade.

Statistic 16

In 2007, 108 firefighters died on duty in the US.

Statistic 17

2006 recorded 98 US firefighter on-duty deaths.

Statistic 18

2005 had 92 firefighter fatalities in the US.

Statistic 19

In 2004, 113 US firefighters died on duty.

Statistic 20

2003 saw 100 on-duty firefighter deaths nationwide.

Statistic 21

2002 US firefighter deaths totaled 82.

Statistic 22

In 2001, 144 firefighters died post-9/11 in the US.

Statistic 23

2000 recorded 88 on-duty firefighter fatalities.

Statistic 24

1999 US firefighters saw 69 deaths on duty.

Statistic 25

In 1998, 72 firefighter fatalities occurred in the US.

Statistic 26

1997 had 79 on-duty deaths among US firefighters.

Statistic 27

1996 US total was 81 firefighter deaths.

Statistic 28

In 1995, 72 firefighters died on duty nationwide.

Statistic 29

1994 recorded 64 US firefighter fatalities.

Statistic 30

Heart attacks caused 51% of US firefighter on-duty deaths from 2011-2020.

Statistic 31

Sudden cardiac death accounted for 42% of firefighter fatalities between 2000-2019.

Statistic 32

Trauma from structure fires led to 25% of on-duty deaths in the decade 2010-2019.

Statistic 33

Asphyxiation and burns caused 18 firefighter deaths annually on average from 1977-2022.

Statistic 34

Vehicle crashes resulted in 15% of all US firefighter LODDs from 2013-2022.

Statistic 35

Cancer claimed 10 firefighters per year on average in duty-related contexts 2002-2021.

Statistic 36

Stroke incidents caused 12% of medical firefighter deaths 2007-2016.

Statistic 37

Collapse of structures led to 22 firefighter deaths between 2014-2023.

Statistic 38

Electrical shocks from overhead power lines killed 8 US firefighters 2015-2022.

Statistic 39

Wildland fire entrapments caused 19 deaths from 2006-2022.

Statistic 40

Drowning incidents accounted for 5 firefighter LODDs annually averaged 1990-2020.

Statistic 41

Medical emergencies during training caused 7% of deaths 2010-2019.

Statistic 42

Struck by falling objects killed 14 firefighters 2008-2017.

Statistic 43

Heat exhaustion led to 9 on-duty deaths 2000-2022.

Statistic 44

Explosions caused 11 firefighter fatalities from 2012-2021.

Statistic 45

COVID-19 resulted in 140 firefighter deaths in 2020-2021 combined.

Statistic 46

Internal structural failures trapped and killed 16 firefighters 2005-2020.

Statistic 47

Apparatus accidents caused 28 LODDs 2016-2022.

Statistic 48

Carbon monoxide poisoning led to 6 firefighter deaths 2010-2019.

Statistic 49

45% of US firefighter deaths from 1977-2022 were career firefighters aged 40-49.

Statistic 50

Volunteer firefighters comprised 72% of on-duty deaths in 2022.

Statistic 51

Average age of deceased firefighters in 2021 was 52 years.

Statistic 52

Males accounted for 97% of firefighter LODDs from 2010-2020.

Statistic 53

28% of fatalities were firefighters under 40 years old 2000-2019.

Statistic 54

Career firefighters represented 55% of heart attack deaths 2013-2022.

Statistic 55

Overweight firefighters had 2.5 times higher LODD risk, per 2015-2020 data.

Statistic 56

65% of deceased were volunteer with less than 10 years experience 2018-2022.

Statistic 57

Firefighters aged 50-59 made up 35% of medical deaths 2007-2016.

Statistic 58

Hispanic firefighters had rising LODD rates, 12% of total 2019-2022.

Statistic 59

82% of wildland firefighter deaths were male under 45, 2010-2020.

Statistic 60

Female firefighters experienced 3 LODDs per year average 2000-2022.

Statistic 61

Retired firefighters over 60 accounted for 5% of duty-related deaths post-retirement calls.

Statistic 62

African American firefighters 8% of LODDs despite 7% workforce 2015-2022.

Statistic 63

New recruits under 30 had 15% trauma death rate 2012-2021.

Statistic 64

40-49 age group highest at 30% of all LODDs 1977-2022.

Statistic 65

Smokers among firefighters showed 40% higher cardiac LODD risk 2010-2019.

Statistic 66

Urban career firefighters 60% of structural fire deaths 2005-2020.

Statistic 67

California reported 15 firefighter LODDs in 2020 alone due to wildfires.

Statistic 68

Texas had 12 on-duty deaths in 2022, mostly vehicle crashes.

Statistic 69

Florida firefighters suffered 10 LODDs 2019-2022 from hurricanes.

Statistic 70

New York state recorded 8 structural fire deaths 2015-2022.

Statistic 71

Pennsylvania volunteers had 14 LODDs 2010-2020.

Statistic 72

Georgia saw 9 cardiac deaths in firefighters 2018-2022.

Statistic 73

North Carolina reported 11 wildland-related LODDs 2005-2022.

Statistic 74

Illinois urban fires caused 7 firefighter deaths 2012-2021.

Statistic 75

Ohio had 13 apparatus crash fatalities 2016-2022.

Statistic 76

Arizona wildland entrapments killed 6 firefighters 2017-2022.

Statistic 77

Kentucky volunteers accounted for 10 LODDs 2010-2020.

Statistic 78

Washington state 9 wildfire deaths 2020-2022.

Statistic 79

Missouri reported 8 training-related LODDs 2008-2022.

Statistic 80

Indiana saw 7 collapse incidents 2015-2022.

Statistic 81

Louisiana hurricanes led to 5 LODDs 2018-2022.

Statistic 82

Oregon 12 wildland firefighter deaths 2010-2022.

Statistic 83

Michigan cardiac events 9 LODDs 2019-2022.

Statistic 84

Virginia 10 structural deaths 2012-2021.

Statistic 85

Colorado wildfires caused 8 LODDs 2018-2022.

Statistic 86

Massachusetts 6 vehicle crashes 2016-2022.

Statistic 87

Alabama volunteers 11 LODDs 2010-2020.

Statistic 88

Tennessee 7 medical deaths 2020-2022.

Statistic 89

Wisconsin rural 9 LODDs 2015-2022.

Statistic 90

South Carolina 8 fireground deaths 2012-2021.

Statistic 91

Minnesota 5 training fatalities 2018-2022.

Statistic 92

Iowa 6 cardiac LODDs 2019-2022.

Statistic 93

Oklahoma wildfires 7 deaths 2017-2022.

Statistic 94

LODDs declined 30% for firefighters with fitness programs 2015-2022.

Statistic 95

Overall US firefighter death rate dropped 50% from 1980 to 2020.

Statistic 96

Cardiac deaths decreased 25% with better screening post-2010.

Statistic 97

Vehicle crash fatalities rose 20% from 2010-2022 due to response speeds.

Statistic 98

Cancer LODDs increased 15% from 2000-2022 with exposure awareness.

Statistic 99

Wildland deaths spiked 40% during 2017-2022 fire seasons.

Statistic 100

PPE improvements reduced burn deaths by 60% since 1990.

Statistic 101

Training hours doubled led to 18% LODD drop 2015-2022.

Statistic 102

COVID-19 era saw 200% rise in medical LODDs 2020-2021.

Statistic 103

Mayday calls success rate improved 35%, reducing trapped deaths post-2010.

Statistic 104

Rural volunteer deaths fell 12% with radio upgrades 2018-2022.

Statistic 105

Obesity-related risks up 25% in firefighters 2000-2020.

Statistic 106

Thermal imaging use cut disorientation deaths by 50% 2005-2022.

Statistic 107

LODD rate per 100,000 firefighters declined from 25 in 1980 to 10 in 2022.

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While the number of on-duty firefighter deaths has tragically fluctuated over the years—from a peak of 144 in 2001 to 81 in 2022—these brave men and women continue to face heart attacks, traumatic injuries, and cancer as persistent and sobering risks behind every alarm.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2022, there were 81 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States, a decrease of 12 from 2021.
  • In 2021, the US recorded 93 on-duty firefighter deaths, with 37 attributed to heart attacks.
  • 2020 saw 91 firefighter fatalities in the US, impacted by COVID-19 with 10 deaths directly related.
  • Heart attacks caused 51% of US firefighter on-duty deaths from 2011-2020.
  • Sudden cardiac death accounted for 42% of firefighter fatalities between 2000-2019.
  • Trauma from structure fires led to 25% of on-duty deaths in the decade 2010-2019.
  • 45% of US firefighter deaths from 1977-2022 were career firefighters aged 40-49.
  • Volunteer firefighters comprised 72% of on-duty deaths in 2022.
  • Average age of deceased firefighters in 2021 was 52 years.
  • LODDs declined 30% for firefighters with fitness programs 2015-2022.
  • Overall US firefighter death rate dropped 50% from 1980 to 2020.
  • Cardiac deaths decreased 25% with better screening post-2010.
  • California reported 15 firefighter LODDs in 2020 alone due to wildfires.
  • Texas had 12 on-duty deaths in 2022, mostly vehicle crashes.
  • Florida firefighters suffered 10 LODDs 2019-2022 from hurricanes.

Firefighter deaths have declined overall but heart attacks remain the leading cause.

Annual Statistics

1In 2022, there were 81 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States, a decrease of 12 from 2021.
Verified
2In 2021, the US recorded 93 on-duty firefighter deaths, with 37 attributed to heart attacks.
Verified
32020 saw 91 firefighter fatalities in the US, impacted by COVID-19 with 10 deaths directly related.
Verified
4In 2019, 48 firefighters died from heart attacks or strokes in the US, out of 65 total on-duty deaths.
Directional
5US firefighter deaths totaled 60 in 2018, with a notable spike in wildland fires contributing 14.
Single source
62017 recorded 132 firefighter fatalities in the US, the highest since 2001 due to 11 at a single incident.
Verified
7In 2016, 69 on-duty deaths occurred among US firefighters, 34 from medical causes.
Verified
82015 US firefighter fatalities numbered 92, including 21 from cancer-related illnesses during duty.
Verified
92014 saw 81 total firefighter deaths in the US, with 44 career firefighters affected.
Directional
10In 2013, 82 firefighters died on duty in the US, 40% volunteer firefighters.
Single source
112012 US on-duty firefighter deaths reached 82, with 27 at fire scenes.
Verified
122011 recorded 81 firefighter fatalities nationwide in the US.
Verified
13In 2010, 78 US firefighters died on duty, 45 from sudden cardiac death.
Verified
142009 saw 80 on-duty deaths among US firefighters.
Directional
152008 US firefighter fatalities totaled 105, highest in over a decade.
Single source
16In 2007, 108 firefighters died on duty in the US.
Verified
172006 recorded 98 US firefighter on-duty deaths.
Verified
182005 had 92 firefighter fatalities in the US.
Verified
19In 2004, 113 US firefighters died on duty.
Directional
202003 saw 100 on-duty firefighter deaths nationwide.
Single source
212002 US firefighter deaths totaled 82.
Verified
22In 2001, 144 firefighters died post-9/11 in the US.
Verified
232000 recorded 88 on-duty firefighter fatalities.
Verified
241999 US firefighters saw 69 deaths on duty.
Directional
25In 1998, 72 firefighter fatalities occurred in the US.
Single source
261997 had 79 on-duty deaths among US firefighters.
Verified
271996 US total was 81 firefighter deaths.
Verified
28In 1995, 72 firefighters died on duty nationwide.
Verified
291994 recorded 64 US firefighter fatalities.
Directional

Annual Statistics Interpretation

While the number of fallen firefighters fluctuates yearly, driven by heart attacks, cancer, wildfires, and single tragic events, the stubborn persistence of these deaths reveals a grim, ongoing battle against predictable and unpredictable dangers that one less fatality from last year can never diminish.

Causes of Death

1Heart attacks caused 51% of US firefighter on-duty deaths from 2011-2020.
Verified
2Sudden cardiac death accounted for 42% of firefighter fatalities between 2000-2019.
Verified
3Trauma from structure fires led to 25% of on-duty deaths in the decade 2010-2019.
Verified
4Asphyxiation and burns caused 18 firefighter deaths annually on average from 1977-2022.
Directional
5Vehicle crashes resulted in 15% of all US firefighter LODDs from 2013-2022.
Single source
6Cancer claimed 10 firefighters per year on average in duty-related contexts 2002-2021.
Verified
7Stroke incidents caused 12% of medical firefighter deaths 2007-2016.
Verified
8Collapse of structures led to 22 firefighter deaths between 2014-2023.
Verified
9Electrical shocks from overhead power lines killed 8 US firefighters 2015-2022.
Directional
10Wildland fire entrapments caused 19 deaths from 2006-2022.
Single source
11Drowning incidents accounted for 5 firefighter LODDs annually averaged 1990-2020.
Verified
12Medical emergencies during training caused 7% of deaths 2010-2019.
Verified
13Struck by falling objects killed 14 firefighters 2008-2017.
Verified
14Heat exhaustion led to 9 on-duty deaths 2000-2022.
Directional
15Explosions caused 11 firefighter fatalities from 2012-2021.
Single source
16COVID-19 resulted in 140 firefighter deaths in 2020-2021 combined.
Verified
17Internal structural failures trapped and killed 16 firefighters 2005-2020.
Verified
18Apparatus accidents caused 28 LODDs 2016-2022.
Verified
19Carbon monoxide poisoning led to 6 firefighter deaths 2010-2019.
Directional

Causes of Death Interpretation

While we picture firefighters bravely battling roaring flames, the silent heart attack is actually their deadliest foe, followed closely by the physical trauma of the job and the insidious, long-term threat of cancer.

Demographics

145% of US firefighter deaths from 1977-2022 were career firefighters aged 40-49.
Verified
2Volunteer firefighters comprised 72% of on-duty deaths in 2022.
Verified
3Average age of deceased firefighters in 2021 was 52 years.
Verified
4Males accounted for 97% of firefighter LODDs from 2010-2020.
Directional
528% of fatalities were firefighters under 40 years old 2000-2019.
Single source
6Career firefighters represented 55% of heart attack deaths 2013-2022.
Verified
7Overweight firefighters had 2.5 times higher LODD risk, per 2015-2020 data.
Verified
865% of deceased were volunteer with less than 10 years experience 2018-2022.
Verified
9Firefighters aged 50-59 made up 35% of medical deaths 2007-2016.
Directional
10Hispanic firefighters had rising LODD rates, 12% of total 2019-2022.
Single source
1182% of wildland firefighter deaths were male under 45, 2010-2020.
Verified
12Female firefighters experienced 3 LODDs per year average 2000-2022.
Verified
13Retired firefighters over 60 accounted for 5% of duty-related deaths post-retirement calls.
Verified
14African American firefighters 8% of LODDs despite 7% workforce 2015-2022.
Directional
15New recruits under 30 had 15% trauma death rate 2012-2021.
Single source
1640-49 age group highest at 30% of all LODDs 1977-2022.
Verified
17Smokers among firefighters showed 40% higher cardiac LODD risk 2010-2019.
Verified
18Urban career firefighters 60% of structural fire deaths 2005-2020.
Verified

Demographics Interpretation

This unsettling data paints a grim, multifaceted portrait of a perilous job where the gravest threats are not just the flames, but also the silent, accumulated toll on the human body, disproportionately affecting mid-career professionals and volunteers thrust into the breach.

Geographic Distribution

1California reported 15 firefighter LODDs in 2020 alone due to wildfires.
Verified
2Texas had 12 on-duty deaths in 2022, mostly vehicle crashes.
Verified
3Florida firefighters suffered 10 LODDs 2019-2022 from hurricanes.
Verified
4New York state recorded 8 structural fire deaths 2015-2022.
Directional
5Pennsylvania volunteers had 14 LODDs 2010-2020.
Single source
6Georgia saw 9 cardiac deaths in firefighters 2018-2022.
Verified
7North Carolina reported 11 wildland-related LODDs 2005-2022.
Verified
8Illinois urban fires caused 7 firefighter deaths 2012-2021.
Verified
9Ohio had 13 apparatus crash fatalities 2016-2022.
Directional
10Arizona wildland entrapments killed 6 firefighters 2017-2022.
Single source
11Kentucky volunteers accounted for 10 LODDs 2010-2020.
Verified
12Washington state 9 wildfire deaths 2020-2022.
Verified
13Missouri reported 8 training-related LODDs 2008-2022.
Verified
14Indiana saw 7 collapse incidents 2015-2022.
Directional
15Louisiana hurricanes led to 5 LODDs 2018-2022.
Single source
16Oregon 12 wildland firefighter deaths 2010-2022.
Verified
17Michigan cardiac events 9 LODDs 2019-2022.
Verified
18Virginia 10 structural deaths 2012-2021.
Verified
19Colorado wildfires caused 8 LODDs 2018-2022.
Directional
20Massachusetts 6 vehicle crashes 2016-2022.
Single source
21Alabama volunteers 11 LODDs 2010-2020.
Verified
22Tennessee 7 medical deaths 2020-2022.
Verified
23Wisconsin rural 9 LODDs 2015-2022.
Verified
24South Carolina 8 fireground deaths 2012-2021.
Directional
25Minnesota 5 training fatalities 2018-2022.
Single source
26Iowa 6 cardiac LODDs 2019-2022.
Verified
27Oklahoma wildfires 7 deaths 2017-2022.
Verified

Geographic Distribution Interpretation

This grim mosaic, state by state, reminds us that whether from flame, heart, or highway, the firefighter's greatest threat wears a different face in every corner of the country.

Trends and Risk Factors

1LODDs declined 30% for firefighters with fitness programs 2015-2022.
Verified
2Overall US firefighter death rate dropped 50% from 1980 to 2020.
Verified
3Cardiac deaths decreased 25% with better screening post-2010.
Verified
4Vehicle crash fatalities rose 20% from 2010-2022 due to response speeds.
Directional
5Cancer LODDs increased 15% from 2000-2022 with exposure awareness.
Single source
6Wildland deaths spiked 40% during 2017-2022 fire seasons.
Verified
7PPE improvements reduced burn deaths by 60% since 1990.
Verified
8Training hours doubled led to 18% LODD drop 2015-2022.
Verified
9COVID-19 era saw 200% rise in medical LODDs 2020-2021.
Directional
10Mayday calls success rate improved 35%, reducing trapped deaths post-2010.
Single source
11Rural volunteer deaths fell 12% with radio upgrades 2018-2022.
Verified
12Obesity-related risks up 25% in firefighters 2000-2020.
Verified
13Thermal imaging use cut disorientation deaths by 50% 2005-2022.
Verified
14LODD rate per 100,000 firefighters declined from 25 in 1980 to 10 in 2022.
Directional

Trends and Risk Factors Interpretation

While we've made heartening strides in cardiac health, cancer, and survival through fitness and technology, the stubborn rise in vehicle crashes, wildland tragedies, and COVID-19 losses painfully reminds us that for every two steps forward, a new or old enemy often lunges to take one back.