Which activity is most commonly being performed when firefighters are injured?

The activity most commonly associated with firefighter injuries is extinguishing fires. This phase of firefighting involves a range of physically demanding and hazardous tasks, including advancing hoses, climbing ladders, and operating equipment in potentially unstable environments filled with smoke and heat. The intense conditions present during firefighting operations, such as structural collapse, exposure to hazardous materials, and thermal stress, contribute to a higher risk of injuries.

While rescuing civilians and conducting training exercises can also lead to injuries, the frequency of incidents occurring during firefighting operations exceeds those seen in other tasks. Investigating fire causes, although important, typically occurs after the fire has been extinguished and therefore presents a lower risk of injury compared to active firefighting efforts.