Every year on May 4th, International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) honours the efforts of firefighters who protect people and property.

International Firefighters’ Day aims to honour and recognise the sacrifices made by professional firefighters around the world who ensure the safety of our communities and environment. 

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History and Significance

A horrific tragedy shocked the Linton Community, Australia, and the world on December 2, 1998. Firefighters in Linton, a populated location in Victoria were battling a big bush fire and requested mutual assistance. The Geelong West Fire Brigade responded to an urgent mutual assistance call.

Garry Vredeveldt, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong were among those that boarded the company’s vehicle. They were part of a strike team that had been dispatched to assist in extinguishing the flames. The wind abruptly changed direction as the five approached the hot zone, engulfing the truck in flames and killing all five people.

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This tragic occurrence motivated Lieutenant JJ Edmondson and firemen to create International Firefighters’ Day to honour the lives lost and the courageous firefighters who risk their lives every day to save lives and property.

International Firefighters Day was established in 1998 in response to the terrible death of five firefighters while attempting to extinguish a wildfire in Australia.

Following that, on January 4, 1999, a request was issued to all countries to honour the courageous firemen who perished in the tragedy and others who died while on duty.

International Firefighters Day was decided to be observed on May 4, the same day as Saint Florian’s Day. According to the International Firefighters’ Day website, St Florian was the first known commander of a firefighting crew in the Roman era who died in the line of duty.

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Celebration

This day is intended to bring attention to and reflect on the sacrifices made by firefighters. Every year at noon, fire sirens sounded for 30 seconds.

This is followed by a minute of silence in honour of all firefighters who have died in the line of duty. This action is called “Sound Off.”

People show their appreciation for the firefighters by wearing and displaying blue and red ribbons.

The IFFD ribbons are associated with colours that represent the primary elements firefighters operate with – red for fire and blue for water. These colours are widely recognised internationally as representing emergency services.

The ribbon is commonly worn on the fold of the cloth on a shirt, but it is not limited to that location. Wearing a ribbon wherever you please is a simple yet effective way to express your support for firemen all across the world.