Over 480,000 Structural Fires Occur Each Year in the US
That's 1 fire every 65 seconds
Structural fires are extremely dangerous to human life, causing thousands of civilian deaths and injuries.
Firefighters are required to search burning buildings for signs of human life
But 60% of the time, there is no one inside
Effects of Firefighting Search and Rescue
Federal & State regulations require firefighters to search all structural fires (burning buildings) for any signs of human life or trapped victims before or while fighting the blaze itself, unless deemed life-threatening.
Firefighters regularly face life-threatening situations and risks such as:
Falling Debris, Intense Heat/Flames, Smoke Inhalation, Chemical Hazards, Lost/Trapped
11,000+
Annual Injuries
14%
Higher Cancer Mortality Rate
512 Fatalities
Past 30 Years
24,000+
HazMat Exposures
68% of all firefighters will develop cancer in their lifetimes
Center for Disease Control (2017)
Injuries = Increased Cost
U.S. Fire Department Annual Expenditures
$95k+
Cost of Average Firefighter Injury
$5.9B
Annual U.S. Fire Dept. Injuries Losses
$1.9B
Annual Search and Rescue Injuries Cost
$800k
Average Firefighter Fatality Cost