by Amanda Swenson
Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal
Firefighter health and fire deaths – some readers may see these two items as related while others see no connection. This certainly is not a quiz or debate on the relationship between the two, but these topics have been in the forefront of my mind in recent days. First, firefighter health is always of great concern to me and the fire service in general, but I have recently attended the funerals of two firefighters gone far too early. Additionally, fire deaths for most of 2022 have trended ahead of 2021 fire deaths, and as we enter the final days of the year, we know that risk only increases.
As we sprint toward Jan. 1, many people make New Year's resolutions. If you are active or retired from the fire service, I challenge you to not wait for New Year's Day to start doing something for your own health and wellness every day. It can be as simple as getting some fresh air and going for a walk, or getting started on a full fitness program. Early in 2020, I decided to do just that: I dedicated myself to doing something for my health every single day. In November, I reached 1,000 straight days of dedicating time to my health. There are so many ways to increase your health, from food choices and exercise to focusing on your mental health. On average, it takes two months to form a habit. If you start today, you'll be halfway there by the start of 2023.
On a somber note, I start my week every Monday morning by comparing the number of confirmed fire deaths to the prior year's to-date fatalities. It is a small part of my job, but each week it is a sobering reminder of the importance of the work of fire inspectors, fire prevention educators, and our firefighters across the state. It also reminds me of the work we all still have to do. Last month I wrote about the number of fire deaths in 2021 — 67, one death lower than the highest number in the past ten years. As we have trended ahead of last year for most of 2022, I am bracing myself for the final days of the year and hope the work of the fire service helps keep the number lower than the total for 2021.
