Firefighter deaths by cause and nature of injury

 

Cause of Injury

Fatalities

Percentage

Overexertion/stress/medical

26

54%

Rapid fire progress/explosions 6 13%
Crashes 4 8%
Struck by vehicle
4 8%

Fell

3

6%

Structural collapse

1

2%

Exposure to electricity
1 2%
Lost inside
1 2%
Exposure to heat 1 2%
Assault 1 2%

Total

48

100%

Nature of Injury

Fatalities

Percentage

Sudden cardiac death

22

46%

Internal trauma and crushing

14

29%

Burns 4 8%

Asphyxia, including smoke inhalation

2

4%

Stroke 2 4%
Gunshot 1 2%
Suicide 1 2%

Electrocution

1

2%

Heat stroke 1 2%

Total

48

100%

Source: Firefighter Fatalities in the United States, Rita F. Fahy, Jay T. Petrillo, and Joseph L. Molis, NFPA, July 2020 and previous reports in the series.

Updated 7/20