Firefighter deaths and injuries continue to be a problem for the US fire service. Over the last 20 years, the fire service has seen significant improvements in safety standards, equipment, and practices. Despite these changes, firefighter death rates are actually on the increase. From 1995 to 2004, the firefighter death rate increased from 4.94 firefighters per 100,000 fires to 6.64 firefighters per 100,000 fires. This is an increase of 34% in the firefighter death rate over the last ten years, which represents a decrease in the safety performance of the US fire service.

A cultural change requires patience, time, continuous communication, and long-term support. Communication is the key. Culture change is achieved one small step at a time. Small successes are used to support larger efforts. It is necessary to start changing small parts of the organization first and then expand efforts. All those who want change must carefully model the desired behavior, in this case firefighter safety.

At a training session this week, a Firefighter in upstate NY was performing a wall breach maneuver when his DRD (Drag Rescue Device) got caught on a sheet rock nail.

The Virginia Fire Chief's Association has adopted the Firefighter Life Safety Advocate Program and placed it under their Health and Safety Committee. This is great news for all emergency service providers in our state.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announced today the release of a comprehensive report from a joint project with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to examine what can be done to reduce the high death rate from fire in rural America. This report, Mitigation of the Rural Fire Problem - Strategies Based on Original Research and Adaptation of Existing Best Practices, provides implementation strategies for the reduction of rural fires
» Also: Wildfire Training for Rural Firefighters