According to the NFPA, what accounted for the largest share of deaths in the United States in 2016?

The largest share of firefighter fatalities in the United States in 2016 was attributed to overexertion, stress, and medical conditions, as identified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This classification encompasses a range of scenarios, such as heart attacks or strokes that occur while firefighters are engaged in their duties, which can be physically demanding and stressful. The intense physical nature of firefighting can lead to increased cardiovascular strain, especially when combined with factors like high temperatures and heavy equipment. The data underscores the critical importance of maintaining physical fitness and awareness of health risks in the firefighting community, as well as the need for appropriate medical assessments for personnel.

In contrast, other categories such as traffic accidents, fire incidents, and workplace accidents, while serious, did not account for as large a proportion of fatalities as those caused by overexertion, stress, and medical conditions. This information highlights a key area for safety training and health management in fire service operations.