FAIRFAX, Va. —

Many firefighter line-of-duty deaths that have nothing to do with fires can — and should — be prevented, according to a national fire safety consultant.

On May 12, Baltimore City fire Lt. Mark Dranbauer suffered a fatal medical emergency while battling a rowhome fire in Downtown Baltimore. But it wasn't the fire that killed him. He died of cardiac arrest.

Days later, Baltimore City fire emergency vehicle operator Charles Mudra died, also from a heart attack, during a training exercise.

Physical stress on the job felt by firefighters is intense

The job of a firefighter is honorable, physically taxing, mentally challenging and dangerous.

As a retired assistant chief of operations for Fairfax County, Virginia, Dan Shaw fought fires for decades. Now a public safety con

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