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U.S. Fire Administration

Fire and EMS

Be prepared.
Be informed.
Be safe.

Fatalities reported in 2024

Photo of residents surveying the aftermath of a wildfire

Wildfires: Protect Yourself and Your Community

Sources: National Association of State Foresters PDF, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and National Institute of Standards and Technology

More than 60,000 communities in the United States are at risk for WUI fires.

For building and other structure fires, firefighter injury rates are 14% higher in WUI areas than in urban areas. For the same fires, civilian death rates are 20% higher.

The WUI area continues to grow by approximately 2 million acres per year.

A fire-adapted community collaborates to identify its wildfire risk and works collectively on actionable steps to reduce its risk of loss. This work protects property and increases the safety of firefighters and residents.

Take steps to become a fire-adapted community

Community Risk Reduction

Focus on Wildfire and the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

Create a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

A CWPP can help you to strategically document local risk and create an action plan and it will help everyone understand how making improvements to their home and the area around their home can create a more favorable outcome.

Download the guide

National Fire Data Center

USFA announces effort to launch new fire information and analytics platform

The USFA is leading a national effort to develop and launch a new interoperable fire information and innovative analytics platform, known as the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).

Learn about NERIS

Research

Guide to funding alternatives

Updated November 2023

This comprehensive resource tackles the challenges faced by EMS agencies and fire departments, providing vital information on funding sources, grants and alternative revenue options.

Download the guide PDF

Fire/EMS Training

National Women’s Weekend Program at NFA

This annual 2-day NFA on-campus session is an educational opportunity for fire and emergency medical services personnel. This program strengthens a fire service community through education, personal networking, and a shared collegial experience.

Register by May 14

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Tasks

Let the U.S. Fire Administration help you with your mission to keep your community safe from fires and other emergencies.

New content for fire and EMS

Photo of the Flagstaff, AZ area
podcast
April 18, 2024

Flagstaff, AZ Wildfire Programs

Planning for wildfire is more than preparing your landscape. Many communities have developed innovative programs to help them prepare for, mitigate and thrive after a wildfire.

Listen to the podcast
Photo of a first responder using an unmanned aerial system
Infogram
April 17, 2024

DHS releases guidance for unmanned aerial systems for public safety missions

DHS has released 2 new guidance documents to aid public safety agencies with procurement decisions related to commercially available UASs.

Read the article
Photo of a first responder using hazmat protective gear
Infogram
April 10, 2024

Procedural guidelines for special pathogens

Learn about the EMS Model Procedural Guidelines for Special Pathogens just released by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center. Guidelines provide step-by-step instructions for EMS to incorporate in your policies and procedures.

Read the article
Photo of a firetruck
Infogram
March 22, 2024

Improving emergency vehicle lighting and visibility at roadway incidents

Learn about actionable research findings on emergency vehicle lighting and visibility at roadway incidents on a new Federal Highway Administration National Operations Center of Excellence webinar.

Read the article
Photo of a pregnant woman.
podcast
March 21, 2024

Reproductive Rights in the Fire Department

Planning for pregnancy in a fire department should start long before you have a pregnant firefighter. Learn how the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act and Pump Act impact firefighter rights.

Listen to the podcast
U.S. Fire Administration
Current Issues
March 21, 2024

USFA and OSHA presentation on the emergency response notice of proposed ruling

USFA's NFA Superintendent Eriks Gabliks and OSHA's Director of Standards and Guidance, Andrew Levinson, discuss the history of the Fire Brigades standard and proposed Emergency Response standard. Director Levinson explains the process for submitting comments and proposed timeline.

Watch the video