International Firefighters Day: History, Significance, Quotes & Facts

International Firefighters Day: History, Significance, Quotes & Facts

International Firefighters Day (IFFD): It is observed on May 4th every year to honour the firefighters who put their lives at risk when they go out on a call. The main purpose of celebrating this day is to thank firefighters for the services they all provide. Take a look at International Firefighters Day in detail.

International Firefighters Day: 04 May

Firefighters are the guardians of society and dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property. To honour the work, courage and sacrifices May 4 is observed annually as International Firefighter’s Day.

“Firefighters are some of the most selfless public servants you will ever encounter” ~ Denis Leary

“One thing that’s great about firefighters: If they don’t have the equipment they desperately need, they don’t have the help, they don’t care. They’ll do it on their own.” ~ Denis Leary

Sometimes firefighters’ work is so fearless that they will even climb a tree in a burning forest to save a defenceless animal that they are too frightened to come down on their own. Isn’t it? These are the types of things firefighters do every day. In all cases, it risks the ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter’s life. For us, they are the saviours of life, but it is a part of their job. This day is to celebrate the courage and brevity that these men and women show.

International Firefighter’s Day (IFFD) is a time when the communities of the world recognise and honour the sacrifices of the firefighters who make their communities and environment as safe as possible. The day also remembers those firefighters who have died while serving our community or who have dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all. Also, it is the time to show appreciation and support to the firefighter’s worldwide who continue to protect us so well throughout the year.

History:

In Ancient Egypt, the first organised professional firefighter was to combat structural fires, but at at that time, firefighters worked for private companies and provided the services only to those who could afford them. Later, in Ancient Rome, Caesar Augustus revolutionised fire fighting by calling for the creation of fireguards, which were known as Vigiles. They were trained, paid, and equipped by the state.

In 1999, Firefighters’ Day was created when five firefighters died tragically during a wildfire at Linton in Victoria, Australia. They died due to the sudden change in the direction of the wind. They were engulfed in flames.

Why is International Firefighters Day (IFFD) celebrated on 4 May?

It is celebrated on 4 May because it is also Saint Florian’s Day. Saint Florian, who was said to be one of the first commanding firefighters of an actual Roman battalion and saved many lives, is the patron saint of firefighters. Do you know that Saint Florian saved an entire burning village in Ancient Rome? He is the patron saint of chimney sweeps and firefighters. So, International Firefighter’s Day is celebrated on this particular date as it is the feast day of Saint Florian.

What is the symbol of IFFD?

The symbol for International Firefighters’ Day is a red and blue ribbon. The red colour symbolises fire and blue water. These colours also signify emergency services around the world.

How is International Firefighters Day (IFFD) celebrated?

People bring a cake to pave gestures to the firefighters in the fire hall. Some donate money as a charity, some help firefighters if injured in the line of duty, give medical treatment if required for their better health. Charities done for firefighters help retired firefighters and their families to live a comfortable life after so many years of risk that they took for us. Even several communities, organisations raise awareness about the dangers that firefighters face bravely by wearing a red and blue ribbon.

One of the main aspects to celebrate this day is fire prevention and the need for more intensive and thorough training. All over the world Firefighters and their agencies are constantly working and doing prevention whether in schools, in the public, community, at assemblies etc. So, we should thank firefighters for their brave work and courage.

IFFD Facebook Covers / Banners & Posters:

International Firefighters Day (IFFD): Quotes

  • As the member of a firefighter family myself, supporting the widowed families of rescue workers is an important, personal cause of mine. ~ Mark Sanchez
  • I can think of no more stirring symbol of man’s humanity to man than a fire engine. ~ Kurt Vonnegut
  • True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your job anyhow. That’s what courage is. ~ General Norman Schwarzkopf
  • Being a firefighter is as close as you get to being a modern-day soldier in your home country. ~ Tom Dawson
  • But aloud the praises, and give the victor-crown. To our noble-hearted Firemen, who fear not danger’s frown. ~ Fredric G. W. Fenn
  • Firefighters do not go on strike. ~ Denis Leary
  • When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work. ~ Edward F. Crocker
  • Once you have a firefighter in your family, your family and the families of his crew become one big extended family. ~ Denis Leary
  • That’s the life being a fireman, it sure beats being a ballplayer. I’d rather be a fireman. ~ Ted Williams
  • Firefighters never die, they just burn forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they saved. ~ Susan Murphree
  • Fire itself is very beautiful and there is an attachment to fire that firefighters have. ~ Mathew Desmond

Greeting Cards:

Wishes & Messages:

  • Firefighters are unsung heroes. Let us pay tribute to them on this day. Happy International Firefighters’ Day.
  • Firefighters protect from serious damage to the communities that may be caused by accidental fires. Let us honour their selfless work today. Happy International Firefighters’ Day!
  • Firefights are an important asset to the society them. Let us show some honour, love and respect to them. Happy International Firefighters’ Day.
  • Let us take a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices of firefighters and make sure they are treated with utmost dignity. Happy International Firefighters’ Day.
  • It takes enough strength and courage to be a firefighter. Happy International Firefighters’ Day.

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