Firefighter Deaths Down in 2009

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The number of firefighters killed in the line-of-duty is down in 2009 and the lowest number of fatalities reported since 1993, when the total was 81, according to a provisional report from the United States Fire Association (USFA). Ninety firefighters died while on duty last year compared to 118 firefighters that lost their lives on duty in 2008.

"This is wonderful news," Chief Jeffrey D. Johnson, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFF) president said. "It provides great momentum to the fire and emergency service community to keep pushing these numbers down, but it is not a time to rest on our laurels."

This number of on-duty deaths from last year may change over the next few months with new information being reported to the USFA from state fire marshals.

According to the report, 13 of the deaths were classified as Hometown Heroes, a public safety officer who dies from a heart attack or stroke following a response or a training.

47.7 percents of deaths were attributed to heart attacks, with 31.1 percent of deaths from traumatic injuries and 8.8 percent due to strokes.

Forty-six firefighters were volunteers, 36 were career firefighters, there were eight wildland firefighters and one part-time paid firefighter although 16 fatalities were related to wildland incidents, according to the USFA. 47.7 percents of deaths were attributed to heart attacks, with 31.1 percent of deaths from traumatic injuries and 8.8 percent due to strokes.

The top cause of fatal incidents were stress and over exertion followed by vehicle collisions and then falls, according to the report.

The deadliest month in 2009 was April with 14 deaths, February and August recorded 10 deaths in each month while January and December each had nine.

Pennsylvania lost eight firefighters last year, New York lost seven and North Carolina six.
     

Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com