The number of firefighters who died on duty last year -- 62 -- shows a 31 percent decrease over the 2023 death toll of 90.
The figure also is tied for the fourth lowest since 1997 when the National Fire Protection Association started tracking the fatalities.
Heart attacks were the leading medical cause of firefighter deaths as records showed they accounted for nearly half, according to NFPA's annual report.
Included in that number were 11 firefighters who died within 24 hours of responding to incidents
“Although the downward trend in the annual number of fatal firefighter injuries is an encouraging indication that injury prevention efforts through the years have been successful, there is a clear need for continuing attention to firefighter safety and health,” said Richard Campbell, a senior research analyst at NFPA and the lead author of the report. “To this end, sudden cardiac deaths remain a critical concern.”
Of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, 26 were career, 19 volunteers, two state and one federal forestry firefighters, one industrial and two state contractors.
Data showed that 11 were 70 years or older while firefighters 40-49 experienced the highest number of deaths -- 20. Thirteen who died were between 50 and 59.
NFPA investigators determined there were 20 fireground deaths in 2024 compared to 32 in 2023. They include:
- Four firefighters experienced fatal heart attacks— three at the scene of residential structure fires and one at the scene of a brush fire. Three other firefighters died as a result of unspecified medical conditions at the scene of residential structure fires and one at the scene of a wildfire.
- Three firefighters suffered fatal injuries while engaged in interior structure firefighting.
- Three firefighters were killed in vehicle collisions at wildfires — two airplane crashes and one utility train vehicle rollover.
- Two firefighters were killed by explosions while battling vehicle fires.
- One firefighter was killed when struck by a hose coupling at a residential fire.
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
