Last year 102 firefighters died while on duty in the United States, and the loss of a firefighter's life was felt directly in more than 86 communities in 35 states across the nation, according to the USFA's annual survey of on-duty firefighter fatalities.

The severe wildfire season of 2002 led to 20 wildland firefighter deaths. Most of the firefighter fatalities related to wildland fires occurred in California and Colorado, where the fire season was especially severe.

Career firefighters accounted for 37 deaths in 2002 and volunteer, seasonal and part-time firefighters accounted for 65 deaths. Ten of the 65 were seasonal or part-time wildland firefighters.

The vast majority of firefighter fatalities last year occurred in relation to a fire or medical emergency incident. About 70% of the firefighters who died while on duty in 2002 suffered fatal injuries or illnesses in emergency situations.

Half of the firefighters who died on-duty in 2002 died of traumatic injuries. Heart attacks continue to be a leading cause of firefighter deaths, killing 31 firefighters. The 31 deaths represent almost one third of the 2002 total.

The highest number of deaths occurred in July with 15 firefighter fatalities; October brought the fewest deaths with three.

These fatality statistics for 2002 are provisional and subject to change as the USFA contacts state fire marshals at the beginning of each year to verify the names of firefighters reported to have died on-duty during the previous year. The USFA expects to have the annual fatality report completed by early June. For additional information visit www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/inside-usfa/ff_fat.cfm.