Every year on May 4, we celebrate International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) in honor of the brave people who put their lives in danger to protect their communities. It is a day to honour and remember the firefighters who risk their life to save the lives of others and safeguard their communities.
The 4th of May is also celebrated as St Florian’s Day. St. Florian is the Patron Saint of Firefighters.
IFFD’s symbol:
The important symbol of the International Fire Protection Division (IFFD) is a red and blue ribbon with two colors fused on top. The red color represents the element of fire, while the blue color represents the element of water.
Background:
- International firemen Day (IFFD) was established to commemorate the deaths of 5 firemen who died in the line of duty during the 1998 wildfire in Linton, Victoria, Australia.
- JJ Edmondson, an Australian firefighter, proposed International Firefighters Day on January 4, 1999. • The inaugural International Firefighters Day was observed on May 4, 1999.
Why May 4?
- May 4th was selected as the IFFD date in order to align with St. Florian’s feast day.
- The first firefighting squad commander in Roman history was St. Florian (250–304 AD).
- He lost his life, and the lives of his colleagues, in defense of the same humanitarian principles that firefighters everywhere uphold.
Related observation in India:
April 14 is designated as National Fire Service (NFS) Day each year in India to honor firemen who have died while performing their duties and to highlight the value of fire service.