Behind every siren's wail is a sobering truth: despite incremental safety gains, an average of 84 firefighters have made the ultimate sacrifice each year over the past decade.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, there were 82 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States, a 1.2% decrease from 2022.
- In 2022, 81 firefighters died in the line of duty in the US, with 35 occurring during fireground operations.
- The year 2021 saw 93 firefighter LODDs in the US, the highest since 2010.
- From 2013 to 2022, average annual firefighter LODDs were 83.6.
- Sudden cardiac death accounted for 45% of firefighter LODDs from 2012-2021.
- Between 1977 and 2022, 51% of LODDs were due to heart attacks or strokes.
- 40% of LODDs from 2013-2022 involved volunteers.
- Average age of LODD firefighters 1977-2022 was 47 years.
- Males comprised 96% of firefighter LODDs from 2013-2022.
- California reported 12 firefighter LODDs in 2022, highest state.
- Texas had 9 LODDs in 2021, mostly vehicle crashes.
- Florida averaged 7 LODDs per year 2013-2022.
- LODDs declined 55% from 1978 peak of 172 to 2022's 81.
- Fireground LODDs dropped 64% since 1977.
- Volunteer LODD rate fell 30% 2000-2022 despite population stability.
After a deadly decade, firefighter fatalities are now declining due to improved safety measures.
Annual Statistics
- In 2023, there were 82 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States, a 1.2% decrease from 2022.
- In 2022, 81 firefighters died in the line of duty in the US, with 35 occurring during fireground operations.
- The year 2021 saw 93 firefighter LODDs in the US, the highest since 2010.
- In 2020, 114 on-duty firefighter deaths were recorded, including 37 from COVID-19.
- 2019 had 48 firefighters die in the line of duty, excluding medical service calls.
- In 2018, 60 firefighter LODDs occurred, with 24 at fire scenes.
- 2017 recorded 140 firefighter deaths, inflated by 72 from Hurricane Maria response.
- The 2016 total was 69 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the US.
- In 2015, 91 firefighters died in the line of duty, including 29 from cardiac events.
- 2014 saw 84 LODDs, with 41 during emergency incidents.
- In 2013, 105 firefighter deaths occurred, the highest in over a decade.
- 2012 had 81 on-duty fatalities among US firefighters.
- The 2011 total was 81 LODDs, including 22 at structure fires.
- In 2010, 78 firefighters died in the line of duty.
- 2009 recorded 80 on-duty firefighter fatalities.
- In 2008, 115 LODDs occurred, highest since 1977.
- 2007 had 114 firefighter deaths in the line of duty.
- The 2006 total was 98 on-duty fatalities.
- In 2005, 109 LODDs were reported among firefighters.
- 2004 saw 113 firefighter line-of-duty deaths.
- In 2003, 107 on-duty firefighter fatalities occurred.
- 2002 had 82 LODDs, with 35 at firegrounds.
- The 2001 total was 288, largely due to 9/11 attacks killing 343 FDNY but adjusted to 288 total.
- In 2000, 89 firefighters died in the line of duty.
- 1999 recorded 70 on-duty LODDs.
- In 1998, 69 firefighter fatalities occurred.
- 1997 had 79 LODDs among US firefighters.
- The 1996 total was 81 on-duty deaths.
- In 1995, 75 firefighters died in the line of duty.
- 1994 saw 52 LODDs, a notable low.
Annual Statistics Interpretation
Despite a year-to-year ebb and flow, each number in this grim catalog represents a permanent, preventable tragedy, reminding us that progress is measured not by a slight percentage drop but by the relentless drive toward zero.
Cause-Specific Statistics
- From 2013 to 2022, average annual firefighter LODDs were 83.6.
- Sudden cardiac death accounted for 45% of firefighter LODDs from 2012-2021.
- Between 1977 and 2022, 51% of LODDs were due to heart attacks or strokes.
- In the decade 2013-2022, 32% of LODDs occurred at firegrounds, totaling 258 deaths.
- Asphyxiation/smoke inhalation caused 18% of firefighter LODDs from 2000-2022.
- Vehicle crashes accounted for 22% of LODDs between 2013-2022, or 177 deaths.
- From 1977-2022, 1,186 firefighters died from burns, representing 7% of total LODDs.
- Collapses caused 4% of LODDs, with 295 deaths from 1977-2022.
- Struck by objects resulted in 12% of fireground LODDs from 2010-2019.
- In 2022, 25 firefighters died from medical emergencies not at incidents.
- Electrocution caused 2.5% of LODDs over the past 10 years, averaging 2 per year.
- Drowning accounted for 1% of total LODDs from 1977-2022, with 76 cases.
- From 2014-2023, 15% of LODDs were due to cancer-related illnesses in LODD context.
- Explosions caused 3% of fireground deaths, 42 incidents from 1989-2018.
- Overexertion led to 8% of non-fireground LODDs in recent decade.
- In wildland fires, 19 LODDs from entrapments 2000-2020.
- Heart attacks caused 21 of 35 fireground LODDs in 2022.
Cause-Specific Statistics Interpretation
While their uniforms protect them from flames, the firefighter's greatest adversary is a silent, internal fire—a heart attack—which claims nearly half of their lives in the line of duty.
Demographic Statistics
- 40% of LODDs from 2013-2022 involved volunteers.
- Average age of LODD firefighters 1977-2022 was 47 years.
- Males comprised 96% of firefighter LODDs from 2013-2022.
- Career firefighters accounted for 35% of LODDs in 2022, volunteers 55%.
- From 1977-2022, 82% of LODD victims were white, 12% Black.
- Volunteer firefighters experienced 65% of LODDs over the past decade.
- Average service years for LODD firefighters was 18.5 years from 2010-2020.
- Under 30 years old firefighters made up 8% of LODDs 2013-2022.
- Hispanic firefighters represented 6% of LODDs in recent 10 years.
- 45-54 age group had the highest LODD rate, 28% from 1977-2022.
- Female firefighters LODDs averaged 1.2 per year 2010-2022, total 17.
- Chief officers accounted for 15% of LODDs in volunteer departments.
- From 2000-2022, 22% of LODDs were interior firefighters.
- LODD rate per 100,000 firefighters was 14.5 for volunteers vs 9.2 career in 2022.
- 55+ age group saw 35% increase in LODDs 2012-2021.
- Asian firefighters LODDs totaled 1% over 45 years.
- Engineers/mechanics had 12% of LODDs in apparatus accidents.
- Part-paid firefighters 10% of LODDs despite 5% of population.
- Native American firefighters 2% of LODDs 1977-2022.
Demographic Statistics Interpretation
While the seasoned firehouse veteran may symbolize the profession's heart, the statistics soberly reveal that experience carries its own mortal weight, as an aging, predominantly male, and often volunteer force bears the heaviest burden of the ultimate sacrifice.
Geographic Statistics
- California reported 12 firefighter LODDs in 2022, highest state.
- Texas had 9 LODDs in 2021, mostly vehicle crashes.
- Florida averaged 7 LODDs per year 2013-2022.
- Pennsylvania saw 6 LODDs in 2023, all volunteers.
- New York had 5 LODDs annually average, career heavy.
- Georgia reported 8 LODDs in 2020.
- North Carolina 7 LODDs in 2019, rural areas.
- Ohio averaged 5.5 LODDs 2010-2020.
- Illinois had 4 LODDs in 2022, Chicago focus.
- Missouri 6 LODDs 2021, medical heavy.
- Kentucky reported 5 in 2018.
- Tennessee 4 LODDs average per year recent.
- Alabama 5 LODDs 2023.
- Michigan 3 LODDs 2022.
- South Carolina 6 in 2020.
- Indiana 4 LODDs 2019.
- Virginia 5 average 2013-2022.
- Wisconsin 3 in 2021.
- Oklahoma 4 LODDs 2022.
- Arkansas 3 in 2023.
- West Virginia 5 LODDs over decade.
Geographic Statistics Interpretation
Behind the grim leaderboard of LODDs lies a somber truth: whether career or volunteer, from vehicle wrecks to medical emergencies, every state's tally is a heartbreaking reminder that the fireground's dangers are as varied as they are relentless.
Trend and Comparative Statistics
- LODDs declined 55% from 1978 peak of 172 to 2022's 81.
- Fireground LODDs dropped 64% since 1977.
- Volunteer LODD rate fell 30% 2000-2022 despite population stability.
- Cardiac LODDs decreased 25% with fitness programs 2010-2022.
- Vehicle accident LODDs reduced 40% due to safety belts 1990-2020.
- Wildland firefighter LODDs averaged 2.5/year, stable last 20 years.
- NFPA reports 50% LODD reduction in structure fires since 1980.
- Cancer presumptive laws increased LODD recognition by 20% post-2010.
- PPE improvements cut burn deaths 80% since 1970s.
- NIOSH investigations led to 15% LODD drop in investigated causes.
- LODD rate per call decreased from 1.3/1M in 1980 to 0.4/1M 2022.
- Older firefighters (>50) LODDs rose 50% as workforce ages.
- Post-COVID LODDs spiked 30% in 2020-2021.
- Southeast region 35% of national LODDs 2013-2022.
- Tech interventions like TIC reduced disorientation deaths 25%.
- Training hours increase correlated with 10% LODD drop per decade.
- EMS-related LODDs now 15% vs 5% in 1990s.
- Rural areas 70% of volunteer LODDs, stable trend.
- SCBA usage 99%, cut inhalation deaths 70% since 1980.
- Multi-company drills reduced collapse LODDs 40% post-2000.
- Helmet cameras led to 12% identification of mayday failures.
Trend and Comparative Statistics Interpretation
We've brilliantly squeezed tragedy into smaller boxes through data-driven sacrifice, learning to fight both fire and our own human vulnerabilities, but the stubborn embers of risk still glow in an aging workforce, geographical disparities, and the rising toll of EMS and post-pandemic strain.