PRESS RELEASE
EMMITSBURG, Md. — Every year, thousands of firefighters are deployed across the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) to battle wildfires. In this zone, where homes and communities meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland, more than 40 million homes are at risk.
Recognizing the growing need for education and awareness surrounding WUI fires, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has released a new Safety INSight video designed to educate both the fire service and the public on these fires and the advances being made to prevent future destruction.
Safety INSight first launched in 2021 as an educational video series to bring awareness to fire safety advancements, lessons learned and best practices across the fire service industry. The goal of the series is to reduce risk, prevent injuries and fatalities and ultimately save lives.
“At the NFFF, an important part of our mission is prevention — both firefighter injuries and line-of-duty deaths,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). “Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more destructive, which makes this a critical time for education. We’re proud to bring more attention to the issue by highlighting the advancements being made in wildfire safety while also giving people practical information on how they can better protect their homes and communities.”
The latest Safety INSight video explains what areas are considered WUI and provides historical context around some of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in U.S. history, like the Peshtigo Fire of 1871, where more than1.2 million acresburned and an estimated 1,100 individuals lost their lives, and the Palisades and Eaton Fires of 2025, the costliest wildfires in U.S. history.
Representatives from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) are also featured, discussing the organization’s research and testing facilities that recreate real-world wildfire scenarios. The work being done helps identify vulnerabilities in homes and communities while developing practical solutions that can reduce wildfire risk.
The video release coincides with NFFF and Casper Mountain Volunteer Fire Department’s Stronger Together – Wildfire Planning Workshop in Casper Mountain, Wyoming. Taking place June 10-11, the workshop will bring together fire service professionals, local leaders and community partners for hands-on training focused on WUI awareness and wildfire risk assessment.
In line with the NFFF’s Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, the new Safety INSight video reflects the NFFF’s commitment to education, prevention, and firefighter safety. The video is available on NFFF’s YouTube channel.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was established by the United States Congress in 1992 to lead a national effort in honoring America’s fallen firefighters. Since then, the Foundation has created powerful programs that pay lasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while providing meaningful support to their families and colleagues. Through its close partnership with the fire service and its affiliate, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), the NFFF is also deeply committed to reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. To learn how you can support this important mission, visit firehero.org.