[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Carper, Mr. 
        McCain, and Mr. Brown of Massachusetts):
  S. 2218. A bill to reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, 
and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, as a co-chair of the Congressional Fire 
Caucus, I am pleased to join Senator Lieberman in introducing 
legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration. We appreciate 
Senators McCain, Carper and Scott Brown becoming cosponsors of this 
bill. The Congressional Fire Services Institute, the International 
Association of Fire Fighters, the International Association of Fire 
Chiefs, and the National Volunteer Fire Council back this measure. I am 
proud to have their support.
  Reauthorization of the U.S. Fire Administration means that first 
responders around the country will get the essential training, 
education, and research they need to help prevent fire-related deaths 
and protect their communities from disasters of all kinds--man-made and 
natural.
  Since its creation in 1974, the Fire Administration and its Fire 
Academy have helped prevent fires, protect property, and save lives 
among firefighters and the public. Today, the Fire Administration is 
also integrated into our national, all-hazards preparations against 
natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
  America's firefighters play a vital role in the security of our 
nation and it is important that, as a nation and a Congress, we support 
them. We can do so by reauthorizing the United States Fire 
Administration. Whether it is in response to a terrorist attack, a 
wildland fire, or a house fire the community, America has come to rely 
on firefighters. America's firefighters--whether career or volunteer--
always answer the call.
  In a report released in September, the United States Fire 
Administration found that, over the past 10 years, the overall number 
of fires reported in the United States has declined by 18 percent. 
During this same time period, there was also a 20 percent decline in 
civilian deaths and a 22 percent drop in civilian injuries. We can be 
proud of this progress.
  According to the report, however, ``although America's fire death 
rate is improving, it continues to be higher than more than half of the 
industrialized countries of the world.'' Sadly, during this same time 
period, there has been an average of 3,570 deaths and nearly 18,300 
injuries per year. The Fire Administration must work tirelessly to 
improve these statistics, which represent loss and pain to American 
families.
  We must also continue to educate and train current and future 
generations of firefighters. The USFA plays an important role in the 
professional development of fire services personnel through the 
National Fire Academy, by providing courses in Fire Prevention 
Management, Hazardous Materials, Incident Management, and Arson, as 
well as many other critical courses.
  My home State of Maine is keenly aware of the dangers of fire and the 
importance of effective fire services. According to the Maine 
Department of Public Safety, nearly 50 Mainers died in fires every year 
through the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. The average for the past decade is 
17 per year, and 2011 sadly produced 23 fire-related deaths, up from 
only nine in 2010--both are too many.
  With the continued work of the U.S. Fire Administration and the 
valiant efforts of our brave fire services personnel, I believe we can 
make further progress in lowering the number of fire related deaths in 
our nation.
  I ask that my colleagues support this legislation.
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