Fire and emergency responder safety week kicks off June 15

Fairfax, VA – Fire departments are being encouraged to suspend non-emergency activities and focus on safety and health training and education during International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week, which takes place June 15-21.

Part of a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Volunteer Fire Council, the event aims to help reduce preventable injuries and illnesses among fire and emergency service personnel.

The organizations are offering safety, health and training resources online.

In 2012, nearly 70,000 firefighters were injured on the job, and 64 died, according to the Quincy, MA-based National Fire Protection Association.