COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — A new report from the National Fire Protection Association shows 83 U.S. firefighters died in the line of duty or within 24 hours of duty in 2025, a 17% increase from the 69 fatalities reported in 2024.
The report found 65 firefighters died while on duty from traumatic injuries, heart attacks, strokes or other medical conditions. Another 18 died from heart attacks within 24 hours of duty.
Heart attacks remained the leading cause of firefighter deaths, accounting for 45 fatalities. Twenty-seven occurred while firefighters were on duty, while 18 happened within 24 hours after responding to incidents.
Volunteer firefighters accounted for 45 of the 83 deaths, while 34 were career firefighters and four were wildland firefighters.
Overexertion and strain caused 29 on-duty deaths, followed by 13 crash-related fatalities. Five firefighters died after becoming trapped, five were struck by objects, four died in falls, and four were killed in assaults.
NFPA researchers said the findings highlight the continued need for firefighter fitness programs, annual medical evaluations, injury prevention training and safe driving practices to reduce line-of-duty deaths.
