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.
Recent news
Proceedings report from the Fire Administrator's Summit on Fire Prevention and Control now available
This historic meeting of governmental officials, fire service leaders and scientists convened on Oct. 11, 2022, to identify top issues and outline a national strategy to address the fire problem currently facing our nation.
President Biden signs legislation to investigate major fires
The Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act authorizes the USFA to send incident investigators to conduct on-site investigations of large-scale or remarkable fires.
Following an investigation, the USFA will issue a public report on the findings.
After-action review: Earthquakes in Turkey
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 Organization Day
March 15
Our mission is possible!
Staff attended an all-hands meeting to provide input on the upcoming strategic plan, hear the latest updates about reorganization, share information across divisions and ask questions of USFA leadership.
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.
Effective May 3, 2023, federal law requires visitors over the age of 16 to have REAL ID Act-compliant identification to access our campus. This law is the same as that enforced at airports and all federal facilities. 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.