One hundred and twelve (112) firefighters died while on-duty in 1999. This represents an increase of 21 deaths from 1998, and reverses the overall downward trend from the levelsof deaths that had been experienced during the decade. The total of 112 fatalities is the highest number recorded since 119 firefighters gave their lives in 1989. The lowest years on record were 1992, with 75 fatalities, and 1993, with 77 fatalities.