Texas Department of Insurance

Firefighter Fatality Investigations in Texas

These investigations are conducted in cooperation with fire-service organizations such as the State Firemen's & Fire Marshals' Association, Texas Fire Chiefs Association, Texas Association of Firefighters, Texas Fire Marshals Association, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Texas Forest Service, and Emergency Services Training Institute.

Firefighter Fatality Investigation Policy

Firefighter Fatality Investigation Statutory Authority

To Report a Firefighter Fatality:

In the event of a firefighter fatality in your area, immediately call the State Fire Marshal's Office at 512-305-7900 (this a 24-hour number). You will be greeted by a voice menu. You will be asked to press "2" to reach our answering service, which will take your name and number. Make sure you tell the answering service that you are reporting a firefighter fatality; a representative from the State Fire Marshal's Office will call you as quickly as possible.

Please have the following information ready when calling:

a. Your name, department, and a telephone number where you can be contacted. If possible, please provide a cellular telephone number and/or your departmental radio dispatcher telephone number to assist us in contacting you.

b. Time, date, and location of the fatal incident, as well as a brief description of the type of incident (Structure fire, vehicle fire, wildland fire, etc.).

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Crashes Involving Fire Department Water Tanker Trucks Are the Leading Cause of Death in Fire Service Motor Vehicle Incidents

Two fatal crashes involving motor vehicles modified into water tankers have been investigated by the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office. The State Fire Marshal wants to alert the Texas fire service regarding the construction and operation of fire department tankers used in transporting water. Read the Alert en Español.

State Fire Marshal Alert:
Heart Attacks Leading Cause of On-Duty Texas Firefighter Deaths

The State Fire Marshal's Office has investigated more than 30 on-duty fatalities of firefighters in Texas since September 2001. These investigations have revealed some vital facts every Texas fire official needs to know.

Heart attacks or related cardiac problems have caused 12 of the 31 deaths investigated through the end of fiscal year 2009.

Since 1995, heart attacks have been the leading cause of on-duty deaths of Texas firefighters.

Every fire department (paid and volunteer), fire chief, and firefighter must take the initiative in reducing the number of on-duty heart attack deaths.

Fire departments should establish physical performance requirements for firefighters and develop physical fitness programs. NFPA 1583, Standard on Health-Related Fitness Programs for Fire Fighters is an excellent resource.

When it comes to physical fitness and overall health, every little bit of effort counts.

Extensive research has shown that you can improve your overall health, thus preventing disease and premature death, by making small adjustments and improvements in your daily activities, including physical activity, nutrition, and behavior.

Five chronic diseases associated with obesity:

• heart disease
• cancer
• stroke
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., bronchitis, emphysema, asthma)
• diabetes

account for more than two-thirds of all deaths in the United States. They claim more than 1.7 million American lives each year and hinder daily living for more than one of every 10 Americans. More than 100 million Americans live with chronic disease, and millions of new cases are diagnosed each year.

These chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and deadly health problems facing our nation, but some of them are very preventable. Firefighters and their families can take simple, affordable steps to work physical activity, good nutrition, and behavior changes into their daily routine. You don't have to become a marathon runner or buy a health club membership to improve personal fitness. Your health will improve with modest but regular physical activity and better eating habits.

There are four keys for a healthier America:

• Be Physically Active Every Day.
• Eat a Nutritious Diet.
• Get Preventive Screenings.
• Make Healthy Choices.

The State Fire Marshal's Office also recommends that fire departments and firefighters adopt physical exercise regimens that will best prepare firefighters for the strenuous, often prolonged physical effort involved in fighting fires.

Here are some excellent resources:

Volunteer Fire Service Fitness And Wellness Program: The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have created the Volunteer Fire Service Fitness and Wellness Project - a partnership initiative to reduce loss of life among volunteer firefighters from heart attack and stress. USFA is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. You can find out more at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-267.pdf.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and PennWell Corporation have established a Web site, www.everyonegoeshome.com, for the nationwide Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives program.

"Firefighter Fitness, Why Playing Sports Can't Get You in Shape," by John Hayford, M.S., Firehouse Magazine, May 1996, page 60. http://www.wfrfire.com/website/articles/fitness.htm.

Firefighter Fitness articles by Steven Loy, Ph.D., Fire Chief Magazine, April 2001-December 2002. http://firechief.com/searchresults/?terms=Steven+Loy

For more information contact: