USFA and the International Association of Fire Fighters Develop Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety
Highlights the results of a U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice supported initiative to enhance emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety for firefighters and law enforcement officers.


USFA Releases Vacant Residential Building Fires Report
This report presents fire-related findings associated with the recent increase in the number of vacant residential buildings.


USFA Releases Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings Report
An estimated 1,800 fatal residential building fires occur annually in the United States, resulting in an average of 2,635 deaths, 725 injuries, and $196 million in property loss.


USFA Releases One- and Two-Family and Multifamily Residential Fires Topical Reports
Based on data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for 2005 to 2007, the reports document that cooking is, by far, the leading cause of fire in both building types, followed by heating.


New National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) Web-Based Data Entry Tool
USFA recently made available a new National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) web-based data entry tool known as the Data Entry Browser Interface (DEBI). The new DEBI enables total web-based data entry into NFIRS, eliminating the need to download and install client software on the NFIRS user's computer.


Focus on Fire Safety: Residential Hazardous Materials Safety
Residential hazardous materials (hazmat) safety is important in preventing fires in and around your home. Hazmat safety involves the proper handling and storage of combustibles and flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, oil, aerosols, certain household cleaning products, and painting supplies.


Statement from FEMA Administrator Fugate on USFA Administrator Cochran's Announced Departure
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate issued a statement today regarding the announcement that U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran will become the next Fire Chief for the City of Atlanta.


Nonresidential Building Fires
This report analyzes nonresidential building fires over the 3-year period from 2004 to 2006, with a focus on 2006 data.


U.S. Fire Administrator Receives the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association 2010 Life Time Achievement Award
The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Life Time Achievement Award is given to individuals based on an their history of fire service accomplishments, contributions to the Metro Fire Chiefs Association, contributions to fire safety, demonstrated leadership, challenges overcome or other considerations deemed of great interest by the Fire Chiefs of Metropolitan departments.


Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Receives Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Award
At the 2010 Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Annual Conference, Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines was awarded the prestigious Metropolitan Fire Chiefs President's Award of Distinction.


Tech Talk: Problem Drywall in Homes
This issue of Tech Talk looks at problem drywall in homes and encourages homeowners to test life safety alarms (smoke/carbon monoxide/gas) that may be adversely impacted by the presence of drywall imported from China.


Grill Fires on Residential Properties
This report examines the characteristics of the 5,700 grill fires that occur on residential properties each year in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries, and $37 million in property loss.


USFA Announces Arson Awareness Week Theme for 2010
The United States Fire Administration announces the theme for the 2010 Arson Awareness Week (AAW): Community Arson Prevention. USFA and its partners will use the week of May 2nd to the 8th to focus public attention on the value of community arson prevention and the resources and support necessary to reduce this crime.


USFA and NIOSH Initiate Study of Cancer among Firefighters
The United States Fire Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are partnering on a study to examine the potential for increased risk of cancer among firefighters due to exposures from smoke, soot, and other contaminants in the line of duty.


Selections Announced for Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program
Fellowships to attend the Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government have been awarded to six senior fire officials.