Skip Navigation
United States Fire Administration
For the Fire Service       For the Public       Inside USFA
Fire Academy |  Emergency Mgt. Institute |  Virtual Campus |  Grants Program |  Publications |  NFIRS |  EENET |  More...
Fact Sheets |  Kids Page |  Facts on Fire |  Publications |  Hotel-Motel National Master List |  CERT |  More...
About USFA |  Press Releases |  Staff Directory |  Employment |  Data Center |  Research Programs |  Library |  More...

About USFA

Introduction

Working for a Fire Safe America: The United States Fire Administration Challenge

R. David Paulison, U.S. Fire Administrator

America's fire death rate is one of the highest per capita in the industrialized world. Fire kills 3,700 and injures more than 20,000 people each year. Firefighters pay a high price for this terrible fire record as well; approximately 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Direct property losses due to fire reach almost $11 billion a year. Most of these deaths and losses can be prevented!

In fact, America's fire losses today represent a dramatic improvement from more than 20 years ago. In 1971, this Nation lost more than 12,000 citizens and 250 firefighters to fire. Acting to halt these tragic losses, Congress passed P.L. 93-498, the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act, in 1974; it established the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and its National Fire Academy (NFA). Since that time, through data collection, public education, research and training efforts, USFA has helped reduce fire deaths by at least half -- making our communities and our citizens safer.

As an entity of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination and support. We serve the Nation independently, in coordination with other Federal agencies, and in partnership with fire protection and emergency service communities. With a commitment to excellence, we provide public education, training, technology and data initiatives.

Last Updated: June 23, 2004 01:39 PM