2012 annual report: overview of findings

Eighty-one firefighters died while on duty in 2012.

• The total break down included 42 volunteer, 28 career, and 11 wildland agency firefighters.
• There were 4 multiple firefighter fatality incidents claiming a total of 10 firefighters.
• Fifteen firefighters died in duties associated with wildland fires.
• Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 45 firefighters.
• Twenty-two firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.
• Seventeen firefighters died while responding to or returning from 16 emergency incidents.
• Eighteen firefighters died as the result of 14 vehicle crashes, six involving POVs, six involving apparatus, and six from two separate incidents involving aircraft.
• Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death with 39 firefighter deaths.
• Eight firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.
• Twelve firefighters died after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.