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
Dec. 13, 2023
NFA Board of Visitors Meeting
- National Emergency Training Center
- Emmitsburg, Maryland
The Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy (NFA) supports the academic stature of the NFA. Members are selected from various fields to ensure a balanced representation of fire and emergency services interests.
View the agendaRecent media releases
Oct. 5, 2023
National Fire Academy partnering with Columbia Southern University to enhance the Executive Fire Officer capstone advancement
The partnership will expand the timeline from 3 to 6 months and provide assistance for the student through research to their final paper.
Sept. 27, 2023
Wildland fire mitigation and management commission report
Read the new report and recommendations to help change how our nation mitigates wildfire.
Job vacancy announcements
There are no U.S. Fire Administration vacancy announcements at this time.
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: 2019 – 2023
A prepared and resilient fire and EMS
Closely aligned with FEMA's strategic plan, USFA's plan is our long-term strategy to achieve the described goals established for the safety and security of the American people. It ensures that we are positioned to impact and shape the future of the fire and EMS. USFA's initiative to take the lead on issues important to the fire service will aid in the progress toward meeting our goals.
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 Merril Sollenberger 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.