Fire killed 3,800 and injured 14,700 people in 2021. Property damage due to fire reached $15.9 billion for the year.
Source: National Fire Protection Association
Firefighters paid a high price for this fire record as well; in 2021, 141 firefighters died on duty.
America’s fire losses today represent a dramatic improvement from more than 40 years ago. In 1971, our nation lost more than 12,000 residents and 250 firefighters to fire. Acting to stop these tragic losses, Congress passed the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act in 1974. It created the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration (NFPCA), now the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and the National Fire Academy (NFA).
Since that time, through data collection, public education, research and training efforts, USFA has helped to reduce fire deaths and make our communities and residents safer.
Our next event
May 5-11, 2024
Arson Awareness Week, May 5-11, 2024
Each year from 2020 to 2022, an estimated average of 1,300 fires in places of worship were reported to fire departments in the U.S. These fires resulted in an estimated annual average of $74.6 million in property loss. USFA, in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is hosting an Arson Awareness Week webinar on Monday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. EST.
Register for the webinarRecent media releases
March 12, 2024
Six fire departments onboarded onto the new National Emergency Response Information System
USFA announces the launch of the prototype version of the new, interoperable fire information and analytics platform, known as the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) for the American fire and emergency services.
March 8, 2024
USFA and DHS deploy wildfire sensors to mitigate and manage fires in Hawaii
DHS S&T and USFA are working with a small business, N5 Sensors Inc., to develop and test the early wildfire detection technology that will be sent to Hawaii to assist FEMA and state and local emergency management partners.
Job vacancy announcements
Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration ES 00
The incumbent serves as the principal advisor to the Fire Administrator, or in his/her absence, to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), regarding the National Fire Problem, views and policies of the Nation's Fire Service and fire service stakeholder community. Relocation expenses reimbursed. You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) May 14, 2024.
Find fire service career opportunities on usajobs.gov.
If you are a student interested in a fire and emergency services career, USFA's Volunteer Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience.
USFA Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027
A Prepared and Resilient Fire and Emergency Medical Services
We support and strengthen fire and emergency medical services and stakeholders to prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to all hazards.
The USFA is mission ready and involved in several significant programs and projects. These efforts include engagement both internally and externally, all to bolster the nation’s fire and EMS responders’ capacity, capability and overall operational performance as they respond to all hazards.
Plan a visit to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
The National Emergency Training Center is home to the USFA, its National Fire Academy, FEMA's Emergency Management Institute, and several monuments, including the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
You must show valid photo identification to enter the NETC campus. We won't accept an image of your photo identification on a cell phone or a printed copy. Escorts are required throughout the duration of your visit. Please contact the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at 301-447-1365 to schedule your visit and escort.
Foreign National visitors: We must vet you before you can visit the memorial. For assistance, please email Ben Jacobs at least 4 weeks before your visit.
Doing business with USFA
For information on contracting opportunities, marketing to USFA, small business opportunities, and active contracts, please visit FEMA.gov.