Playing with Fire: International Firefighters' Day

Professions from different fields around the world command a certain amount of respect. Soldiers going to battle in enemy land, pilots flying in torrential rains with the responsibility of hundreds of lives in their hands, lifeguards fearlessly diving in choppy seas. While some of these professions are recognized worldwide, some hardships go unnoticed. This was true for millions of brave firefighters around the world until International Firefighters' Day was added to the list of internationally recognized days.

International Firefighters' Day; Source: News Today

International Firefighters' Day is celebrated each year on May 4 to recognize and honor the hardships that firefighters face each day. Communities around the world come together to express their gratitude for these soldiers, who fight dangers within their country. Firefighting is a profession that shows true compassion and courage as men and women fearlessly walk into burning buildings and vehicles to rescue strangers. Often, firefighters are also tasked with saving animals who may be stuck in burning buildings or places at a higher height.

The need for formally and internationally recognizing firefighters was first noticed in 1999 after five firefighters died tragically during a wildfire in Linton, Victoria. The five brave hearts were in their fire truck, responding to a call for backup when the wind suddenly changed direction and they were engulfed in flames. As accidental fires erupt around the world, with people unaware of the basics of fire prevention and survival techniques, the need for raising awareness is more than ever. International Firefighters' Day also brings notice to the need for more thorough and intense training for firefighters to increase their as well as others’ chances of survival. This is especially true for India, where fires are disastrous in thickly populated slum areas. According to the Global Diseases Burden's analysis of 195 nations, India accounted for more than half of the deaths occurring around the world due to fire.

Every fifth fire-related death occurs in India; Source: NPR

Firefighting is an ancient profession, first recorded in Ancient Egypt where the first organized professional firefighting groups were instituted to combat structural fires. However, they worked only for private companies and thus could be afforded by a few. It was under the rule of Caesar Augustus or Octavian, that fireguards called Vigiles were trained, paid, and equipped by the state. This elite force was especially useful on battlefields to douse fires started by the enemy. Ancient Rome also provides the context for specifically choosing the 4th of May as International Firefighters Day. May 4 is the feast of Saint Florian, one of the first commanding firefighters of an actual battalion. He is also documented as having saved an entire burning village in Ancient Rome and was the patron saint of all firefighters and chimney sweeps.

On 4th May, people around the world show solidarity in a variety of ways. Wearing blue and red ribbons pinned together is the universal symbol of showing solidarity with the community. Red and blue colors are symbolic of the two elements firefighters regularly deal with. Red stands for fire and blue symbolizes water. The two colors are also recognized as international colors representing emergency service. The ribbons are cut precisely one cm in width and five cm in length, with the two colors joining at the top. They can be worn on the fold of the fabric on a shirt, i.e., the lapel, or worn on a cap. Sometimes people place them on trees outside their houses as well.

Symbol of Solidarity; Source: International Firefighters Day

Being a firefighter is as close as you get to being a modern-day soldier in your home country.

• Tom Dawson

Being a firefighter is as close as you get to being a modern-day soldier in your home country.

• Tom Dawson

Another very interesting tradition that is part of International Firefighters' Day is a 'Sound Off', held on the first Sunday in May. At noon local time, fire sirens are started for thirty seconds followed by silence for one minute, in memory of all the firefighters lost in the line of duty. Global sound-offs attract media attention and remind the community of their part in ensuring that the commitment and sacrifices made by these individuals are recognized.

Actions of goodwill go a long way for these humble soldiers. People often bring a cake for firefighters in fire halls, which are the bases for fighters’ equipment and their offices. Money is donated to charities that take care of retired firefighters and help their families lead comfortable lives. They also help firefighters access medical treatment for better health, if they are injured in the line of duty.

It is unimaginable how small careless mistakes like leaving electrical appliances on for too long can culminate into disastrous flames that consume entire houses. When such unfortunate events do occur, firefighters selflessly step in to save as many lives as possible. Sometimes in their pursuits, they are not able to make it out alive. In these cases, the fire does not only consume the house it erupted in but it also burns the houses of those who have passed. While firefighters should be celebrated each day of the year, it is important to have one designated day in their name. It is vital to remind the general populace of who it is that keeps them safe when calamity hits. It is because of these soldiers that countless lives are saved daily from an insidious enemy which creeps in unawares and wreaks havoc.