What is the leading cause of firefighter fatalities according to injury statistics?

The leading cause of firefighter fatalities, according to injury statistics, is overexertion, stress, and medical issues. This category encompasses a range of incidents that can occur in the line of duty, including heart attacks and strokes, which are often triggered by the physical and mental demands of firefighting. The intense physical exertion required during firefighting activities, combined with the stress of emergency responses, can significantly increase the risk of these medical conditions. Understanding this statistic is crucial for training and preparing firefighters to recognize and mitigate the signs of stress and overexertion on the job, ensuring they are healthy and fit to perform their duties safely.

Other options, while they may contribute to fatalities, do not surpass the impact of medical issues related to overexertion and stress on overall firefighter mortality rates.