‘America Burning': A roadmap for change
In 1973, a national commission studying the U.S. fire problem created what would become a wake-up call for fire protection in America. The report, “America Burning,” defined in blunt terms and graphic images America’s fire problem as one of the worst in the world’s industrial countries. Any 1970s-era firefighters who read the report could not help but feel proud of their dangerous work.
Published on May 4, 1973, “America Burning” served as a road map for change.
In 1974, Congress passed the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act. The law created the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration, now the U.S. Fire Administration – and with it the National Fire Academy.
2023 marks 50 years since the seminal report changed the trajectory of fire service priorities for decades.
Verizon has nearly 30 years of experience partnering with public safety agencies, and when lives are at stake, those on the front lines need a network that’s built right. That’s why we created Verizon Frontline the advanced network and technology for first responders.
- The ‘War Years’: A brief history of the 1970s fire service
- 2023: The year in fire photos
- USFA, NFFF to host Summit on Fire Prevention and Control
- ‘I’d say America is still burning': Chief Bashoor reflects on seminal fire and life safety report
- America Burning’s key principles: ‘As relevant today as they were 50 years ago’