International Firefighters' Day

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Firefighters are rescuers extensively trained to extinguish fires. Their role also encompasses emergency medical services, saving lives, saving property, and protecting the environment. Firefighters are also known as Firemen and the Fire Service, or Fire and Rescue Service is also known in some countries as the Fire Brigade or Fire Department. Firefighters all over the world are known for their Bravery. International Firefighters' Day is dedicated to all the Firefighters who dedicate, risk and even sacrifice their lives for the protection of life and property. It is a time when the world recognises and honours their efforts and sacrifices. It is also a day when current and past Firefighters are honoured for their contributions.

History

International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4. It was instituted after proposal emailed out across the world on January 4, 1999 due to the deaths of five Firefighters in tragic circumstances in a wildfire  in Australia. On Wednesday, December 2, 1998, the Linton bushfire occurred. The fire was some six kilometres north of Linton, a small town thirty kilometres south-west of Ballarat in western Victoria. It burnt 660 hectares of private and public land. In this fire Matt, Stuart, Jason, Garry and Chris of Geelong West lost their lives. It was great tragic event. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Victorian community adopted the wearing of a Red Ribbon to show respect to the lost Firefighters and support to their families. When this particular occasion caught the attention of the Internet community there was a very positive response to this practice. People from near and far adopted wearing this symbol to show respect to those brave souls. Lt JJ Edmondson of Clyde Cardinia Fire Brigade Victoria, Australia received letters of support and fellowship owing to the tragedy. Encouraged by the support he proposed the organisation of this event in front of the national and international community. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the date was fixed to that of the feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all Firefighters). St Florian was the first known commander of one Firefighting squad in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, as well as those of his colleagues, for protecting the same humane ideas which Firefighters all over the world share even today. Firefighters in most of the European countries celebrate their day on 4th of May as a 'Day of Fire Service' as well as St. Florian's Day. This date is also known as St Florian's Day worldwide and has been tradition for more than 150 years in Europe.

Events

Award Ceremonies or state-wide Memorial Services, some of which are joint department services, are held in at least four Australian states on or near IFFD. People participate in these memorial events to show gratitude to Firefighters everywhere.

People proudly wear and display blue and red ribbons pinned together. Ribbons are also used to decorate trees, car antennas, letterboxes and other display areas by the community to show their support for the day and Firefighters.

Other events:

• Fêtes.
• Parades and balls
• Open days.
• Fundraisers for relevant campaigns.
• Long service.
• Presentations.
• Media campaigns focus on the role, activities and key messages of Firefighters and fire organisations.

Symbol - The symbol chosen to represent this was two ribbons (one bright red and one royal blue) pinned together at the top. These colours were selected as they represent the main elements that Firefighters work with - fire and water. The combination of the two ribbons (5cm long x 1cm wide) pinned together should form an internationally common recognised symbol when worn.

Holiday Status - It is not a Holiday.