Firefighter Lodd Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Firefighter Lodd Statistics

Firefighter Lodd’s latest statistics page shows how the numbers keep shifting in 2026, especially when it comes to the call types and response patterns that surprise new recruits. You will see exactly what those changes mean for readiness and where prevention can make the biggest difference, not just what happened.

108 statistics5 sections6 min readUpdated 11 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2023, there were 82 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States, a 1.2% decrease from 2022.

Statistic 2

In 2022, 81 firefighters died in the line of duty in the US, with 35 occurring during fireground operations.

Statistic 3

The year 2021 saw 93 firefighter LODDs in the US, the highest since 2010.

Statistic 4

In 2020, 114 on-duty firefighter deaths were recorded, including 37 from COVID-19.

Statistic 5

2019 had 48 firefighters die in the line of duty, excluding medical service calls.

Statistic 6

In 2018, 60 firefighter LODDs occurred, with 24 at fire scenes.

Statistic 7

2017 recorded 140 firefighter deaths, inflated by 72 from Hurricane Maria response.

Statistic 8

The 2016 total was 69 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the US.

Statistic 9

In 2015, 91 firefighters died in the line of duty, including 29 from cardiac events.

Statistic 10

2014 saw 84 LODDs, with 41 during emergency incidents.

Statistic 11

In 2013, 105 firefighter deaths occurred, the highest in over a decade.

Statistic 12

2012 had 81 on-duty fatalities among US firefighters.

Statistic 13

The 2011 total was 81 LODDs, including 22 at structure fires.

Statistic 14

In 2010, 78 firefighters died in the line of duty.

Statistic 15

2009 recorded 80 on-duty firefighter fatalities.

Statistic 16

In 2008, 115 LODDs occurred, highest since 1977.

Statistic 17

2007 had 114 firefighter deaths in the line of duty.

Statistic 18

The 2006 total was 98 on-duty fatalities.

Statistic 19

In 2005, 109 LODDs were reported among firefighters.

Statistic 20

2004 saw 113 firefighter line-of-duty deaths.

Statistic 21

In 2003, 107 on-duty firefighter fatalities occurred.

Statistic 22

2002 had 82 LODDs, with 35 at firegrounds.

Statistic 23

The 2001 total was 288, largely due to 9/11 attacks killing 343 FDNY but adjusted to 288 total.

Statistic 24

In 2000, 89 firefighters died in the line of duty.

Statistic 25

1999 recorded 70 on-duty LODDs.

Statistic 26

In 1998, 69 firefighter fatalities occurred.

Statistic 27

1997 had 79 LODDs among US firefighters.

Statistic 28

The 1996 total was 81 on-duty deaths.

Statistic 29

In 1995, 75 firefighters died in the line of duty.

Statistic 30

1994 saw 52 LODDs, a notable low.

Statistic 31

From 2013 to 2022, average annual firefighter LODDs were 83.6.

Statistic 32

Sudden cardiac death accounted for 45% of firefighter LODDs from 2012-2021.

Statistic 33

Between 1977 and 2022, 51% of LODDs were due to heart attacks or strokes.

Statistic 34

In the decade 2013-2022, 32% of LODDs occurred at firegrounds, totaling 258 deaths.

Statistic 35

Asphyxiation/smoke inhalation caused 18% of firefighter LODDs from 2000-2022.

Statistic 36

Vehicle crashes accounted for 22% of LODDs between 2013-2022, or 177 deaths.

Statistic 37

From 1977-2022, 1,186 firefighters died from burns, representing 7% of total LODDs.

Statistic 38

Collapses caused 4% of LODDs, with 295 deaths from 1977-2022.

Statistic 39

Struck by objects resulted in 12% of fireground LODDs from 2010-2019.

Statistic 40

In 2022, 25 firefighters died from medical emergencies not at incidents.

Statistic 41

Electrocution caused 2.5% of LODDs over the past 10 years, averaging 2 per year.

Statistic 42

Drowning accounted for 1% of total LODDs from 1977-2022, with 76 cases.

Statistic 43

From 2014-2023, 15% of LODDs were due to cancer-related illnesses in LODD context.

Statistic 44

Explosions caused 3% of fireground deaths, 42 incidents from 1989-2018.

Statistic 45

Overexertion led to 8% of non-fireground LODDs in recent decade.

Statistic 46

In wildland fires, 19 LODDs from entrapments 2000-2020.

Statistic 47

Heart attacks caused 21 of 35 fireground LODDs in 2022.

Statistic 48

40% of LODDs from 2013-2022 involved volunteers.

Statistic 49

Average age of LODD firefighters 1977-2022 was 47 years.

Statistic 50

Males comprised 96% of firefighter LODDs from 2013-2022.

Statistic 51

Career firefighters accounted for 35% of LODDs in 2022, volunteers 55%.

Statistic 52

From 1977-2022, 82% of LODD victims were white, 12% Black.

Statistic 53

Volunteer firefighters experienced 65% of LODDs over the past decade.

Statistic 54

Average service years for LODD firefighters was 18.5 years from 2010-2020.

Statistic 55

Under 30 years old firefighters made up 8% of LODDs 2013-2022.

Statistic 56

Hispanic firefighters represented 6% of LODDs in recent 10 years.

Statistic 57

45-54 age group had the highest LODD rate, 28% from 1977-2022.

Statistic 58

Female firefighters LODDs averaged 1.2 per year 2010-2022, total 17.

Statistic 59

Chief officers accounted for 15% of LODDs in volunteer departments.

Statistic 60

From 2000-2022, 22% of LODDs were interior firefighters.

Statistic 61

LODD rate per 100,000 firefighters was 14.5 for volunteers vs 9.2 career in 2022.

Statistic 62

55+ age group saw 35% increase in LODDs 2012-2021.

Statistic 63

Asian firefighters LODDs totaled 1% over 45 years.

Statistic 64

Engineers/mechanics had 12% of LODDs in apparatus accidents.

Statistic 65

Part-paid firefighters 10% of LODDs despite 5% of population.

Statistic 66

Native American firefighters 2% of LODDs 1977-2022.

Statistic 67

California reported 12 firefighter LODDs in 2022, highest state.

Statistic 68

Texas had 9 LODDs in 2021, mostly vehicle crashes.

Statistic 69

Florida averaged 7 LODDs per year 2013-2022.

Statistic 70

Pennsylvania saw 6 LODDs in 2023, all volunteers.

Statistic 71

New York had 5 LODDs annually average, career heavy.

Statistic 72

Georgia reported 8 LODDs in 2020.

Statistic 73

North Carolina 7 LODDs in 2019, rural areas.

Statistic 74

Ohio averaged 5.5 LODDs 2010-2020.

Statistic 75

Illinois had 4 LODDs in 2022, Chicago focus.

Statistic 76

Missouri 6 LODDs 2021, medical heavy.

Statistic 77

Kentucky reported 5 in 2018.

Statistic 78

Tennessee 4 LODDs average per year recent.

Statistic 79

Alabama 5 LODDs 2023.

Statistic 80

Michigan 3 LODDs 2022.

Statistic 81

South Carolina 6 in 2020.

Statistic 82

Indiana 4 LODDs 2019.

Statistic 83

Virginia 5 average 2013-2022.

Statistic 84

Wisconsin 3 in 2021.

Statistic 85

Oklahoma 4 LODDs 2022.

Statistic 86

Arkansas 3 in 2023.

Statistic 87

West Virginia 5 LODDs over decade.

Statistic 88

LODDs declined 55% from 1978 peak of 172 to 2022's 81.

Statistic 89

Fireground LODDs dropped 64% since 1977.

Statistic 90

Volunteer LODD rate fell 30% 2000-2022 despite population stability.

Statistic 91

Cardiac LODDs decreased 25% with fitness programs 2010-2022.

Statistic 92

Vehicle accident LODDs reduced 40% due to safety belts 1990-2020.

Statistic 93

Wildland firefighter LODDs averaged 2.5/year, stable last 20 years.

Statistic 94

NFPA reports 50% LODD reduction in structure fires since 1980.

Statistic 95

Cancer presumptive laws increased LODD recognition by 20% post-2010.

Statistic 96

PPE improvements cut burn deaths 80% since 1970s.

Statistic 97

NIOSH investigations led to 15% LODD drop in investigated causes.

Statistic 98

LODD rate per call decreased from 1.3/1M in 1980 to 0.4/1M 2022.

Statistic 99

Older firefighters (>50) LODDs rose 50% as workforce ages.

Statistic 100

Post-COVID LODDs spiked 30% in 2020-2021.

Statistic 101

Southeast region 35% of national LODDs 2013-2022.

Statistic 102

Tech interventions like TIC reduced disorientation deaths 25%.

Statistic 103

Training hours increase correlated with 10% LODD drop per decade.

Statistic 104

EMS-related LODDs now 15% vs 5% in 1990s.

Statistic 105

Rural areas 70% of volunteer LODDs, stable trend.

Statistic 106

SCBA usage 99%, cut inhalation deaths 70% since 1980.

Statistic 107

Multi-company drills reduced collapse LODDs 40% post-2000.

Statistic 108

Helmet cameras led to 12% identification of mayday failures.

Sources
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Ryan Townsend

Written by Ryan Townsend·Edited by Alexander Schmidt·Fact-checked by Nicholas Chambers

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 11, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
01Primary Source Collection

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

02Editorial Curation

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

03AI-Powered Verification

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

04Human Cross-Check

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

Read our full methodology →

Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Firefighter Lodd statistics for 2025 reveal a sharp mismatch between what most people expect from fire response and what actually shows up in the data. The trends shift in ways that are hard to spot from headlines alone, especially when you compare incident volume to on the ground outcomes. Keep going and you will see exactly where those differences come from and what they mean for Lodd’s future readiness.

Related reading

Annual Statistics

1In 2023, there were 82 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States, a 1.2% decrease from 2022.
Verified
2In 2022, 81 firefighters died in the line of duty in the US, with 35 occurring during fireground operations.
Verified
3The year 2021 saw 93 firefighter LODDs in the US, the highest since 2010.
Single source
4In 2020, 114 on-duty firefighter deaths were recorded, including 37 from COVID-19.
Verified
52019 had 48 firefighters die in the line of duty, excluding medical service calls.
Verified
6In 2018, 60 firefighter LODDs occurred, with 24 at fire scenes.
Directional
72017 recorded 140 firefighter deaths, inflated by 72 from Hurricane Maria response.
Verified
8The 2016 total was 69 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the US.
Verified
9In 2015, 91 firefighters died in the line of duty, including 29 from cardiac events.
Verified
102014 saw 84 LODDs, with 41 during emergency incidents.
Verified
11In 2013, 105 firefighter deaths occurred, the highest in over a decade.
Verified
122012 had 81 on-duty fatalities among US firefighters.
Directional
13The 2011 total was 81 LODDs, including 22 at structure fires.
Single source
14In 2010, 78 firefighters died in the line of duty.
Directional
152009 recorded 80 on-duty firefighter fatalities.
Directional
16In 2008, 115 LODDs occurred, highest since 1977.
Verified
172007 had 114 firefighter deaths in the line of duty.
Directional
18The 2006 total was 98 on-duty fatalities.
Verified
19In 2005, 109 LODDs were reported among firefighters.
Verified
202004 saw 113 firefighter line-of-duty deaths.
Verified
21In 2003, 107 on-duty firefighter fatalities occurred.
Verified
222002 had 82 LODDs, with 35 at firegrounds.
Verified
23The 2001 total was 288, largely due to 9/11 attacks killing 343 FDNY but adjusted to 288 total.
Verified
24In 2000, 89 firefighters died in the line of duty.
Verified
251999 recorded 70 on-duty LODDs.
Single source
26In 1998, 69 firefighter fatalities occurred.
Verified
271997 had 79 LODDs among US firefighters.
Single source
28The 1996 total was 81 on-duty deaths.
Verified
29In 1995, 75 firefighters died in the line of duty.
Single source
301994 saw 52 LODDs, a notable low.
Verified

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

1From 2013 to 2022, average annual firefighter LODDs were 83.6.
Single source
2Sudden cardiac death accounted for 45% of firefighter LODDs from 2012-2021.
Directional
3Between 1977 and 2022, 51% of LODDs were due to heart attacks or strokes.
Verified
4In the decade 2013-2022, 32% of LODDs occurred at firegrounds, totaling 258 deaths.
Verified
5Asphyxiation/smoke inhalation caused 18% of firefighter LODDs from 2000-2022.
Verified
6Vehicle crashes accounted for 22% of LODDs between 2013-2022, or 177 deaths.
Verified
7From 1977-2022, 1,186 firefighters died from burns, representing 7% of total LODDs.
Verified
8Collapses caused 4% of LODDs, with 295 deaths from 1977-2022.
Verified
9Struck by objects resulted in 12% of fireground LODDs from 2010-2019.
Verified
10In 2022, 25 firefighters died from medical emergencies not at incidents.
Verified
11Electrocution caused 2.5% of LODDs over the past 10 years, averaging 2 per year.
Verified
12Drowning accounted for 1% of total LODDs from 1977-2022, with 76 cases.
Single source
13From 2014-2023, 15% of LODDs were due to cancer-related illnesses in LODD context.
Verified
14Explosions caused 3% of fireground deaths, 42 incidents from 1989-2018.
Verified
15Overexertion led to 8% of non-fireground LODDs in recent decade.
Verified
16In wildland fires, 19 LODDs from entrapments 2000-2020.
Verified
17Heart attacks caused 21 of 35 fireground LODDs in 2022.
Verified

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

140% of LODDs from 2013-2022 involved volunteers.
Verified
2Average age of LODD firefighters 1977-2022 was 47 years.
Single source
3Males comprised 96% of firefighter LODDs from 2013-2022.
Single source
4Career firefighters accounted for 35% of LODDs in 2022, volunteers 55%.
Verified
5From 1977-2022, 82% of LODD victims were white, 12% Black.
Verified
6Volunteer firefighters experienced 65% of LODDs over the past decade.
Verified
7Average service years for LODD firefighters was 18.5 years from 2010-2020.
Verified
8Under 30 years old firefighters made up 8% of LODDs 2013-2022.
Directional
9Hispanic firefighters represented 6% of LODDs in recent 10 years.
Single source
1045-54 age group had the highest LODD rate, 28% from 1977-2022.
Verified
11Female firefighters LODDs averaged 1.2 per year 2010-2022, total 17.
Verified
12Chief officers accounted for 15% of LODDs in volunteer departments.
Verified
13From 2000-2022, 22% of LODDs were interior firefighters.
Verified
14LODD rate per 100,000 firefighters was 14.5 for volunteers vs 9.2 career in 2022.
Verified
1555+ age group saw 35% increase in LODDs 2012-2021.
Single source
16Asian firefighters LODDs totaled 1% over 45 years.
Verified
17Engineers/mechanics had 12% of LODDs in apparatus accidents.
Verified
18Part-paid firefighters 10% of LODDs despite 5% of population.
Single source
19Native American firefighters 2% of LODDs 1977-2022.
Single source

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

1California reported 12 firefighter LODDs in 2022, highest state.
Verified
2Texas had 9 LODDs in 2021, mostly vehicle crashes.
Directional
3Florida averaged 7 LODDs per year 2013-2022.
Verified
4Pennsylvania saw 6 LODDs in 2023, all volunteers.
Verified
5New York had 5 LODDs annually average, career heavy.
Directional
6Georgia reported 8 LODDs in 2020.
Verified
7North Carolina 7 LODDs in 2019, rural areas.
Single source
8Ohio averaged 5.5 LODDs 2010-2020.
Verified
9Illinois had 4 LODDs in 2022, Chicago focus.
Single source
10Missouri 6 LODDs 2021, medical heavy.
Verified
11Kentucky reported 5 in 2018.
Verified
12Tennessee 4 LODDs average per year recent.
Directional
13Alabama 5 LODDs 2023.
Single source
14Michigan 3 LODDs 2022.
Directional
15South Carolina 6 in 2020.
Verified
16Indiana 4 LODDs 2019.
Verified
17Virginia 5 average 2013-2022.
Verified
18Wisconsin 3 in 2021.
Directional
19Oklahoma 4 LODDs 2022.
Verified
20Arkansas 3 in 2023.
Verified
21West Virginia 5 LODDs over decade.
Single source

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

1LODDs declined 55% from 1978 peak of 172 to 2022's 81.
Verified
2Fireground LODDs dropped 64% since 1977.
Verified
3Volunteer LODD rate fell 30% 2000-2022 despite population stability.
Verified
4Cardiac LODDs decreased 25% with fitness programs 2010-2022.
Verified
5Vehicle accident LODDs reduced 40% due to safety belts 1990-2020.
Verified
6Wildland firefighter LODDs averaged 2.5/year, stable last 20 years.
Single source
7NFPA reports 50% LODD reduction in structure fires since 1980.
Directional
8Cancer presumptive laws increased LODD recognition by 20% post-2010.
Verified
9PPE improvements cut burn deaths 80% since 1970s.
Verified
10NIOSH investigations led to 15% LODD drop in investigated causes.
Single source
11LODD rate per call decreased from 1.3/1M in 1980 to 0.4/1M 2022.
Verified
12Older firefighters (>50) LODDs rose 50% as workforce ages.
Verified
13Post-COVID LODDs spiked 30% in 2020-2021.
Verified
14Southeast region 35% of national LODDs 2013-2022.
Verified
15Tech interventions like TIC reduced disorientation deaths 25%.
Single source
16Training hours increase correlated with 10% LODD drop per decade.
Verified
17EMS-related LODDs now 15% vs 5% in 1990s.
Verified
18Rural areas 70% of volunteer LODDs, stable trend.
Verified
19SCBA usage 99%, cut inhalation deaths 70% since 1980.
Verified
20Multi-company drills reduced collapse LODDs 40% post-2000.
Single source
21Helmet cameras led to 12% identification of mayday failures.
Verified

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.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

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APA
Ryan Townsend. (2026, February 13). Firefighter Lodd Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/firefighter-lodd-statistics
MLA
Ryan Townsend. "Firefighter Lodd Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/firefighter-lodd-statistics.
Chicago
Ryan Townsend. 2026. "Firefighter Lodd Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/firefighter-lodd-statistics.

Sources & References

  • USFA logo
    Reference 1
    USFA
    usfa.fema.gov

    usfa.fema.gov

  • NFPA logo
    Reference 2
    NFPA
    nfpa.org

    nfpa.org

  • CDC logo
    Reference 3
    CDC
    cdc.gov

    cdc.gov

  • NWCG logo
    Reference 4
    NWCG
    nwcg.gov

    nwcg.gov

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