The National Fire Service Day is annually observed by the Fire Service personnels across India on 14th April to commemorate the commitment and sacrifices of the 71 fire service personnels who died in the fire accident at freighter SS Fort Stikine at the Victoria Dock, Bombay Port on 14th April 1944.
The theme of National Fire Service Day 2021 is “Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment Is Key To Mitigate Fire Hazards”.
Significance:
The National Fire Service Day is also observed as the Martyrs day to pay homage to the firefighters who lost their lives in the Bombay explosion and the firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
1944 fire accident – Bombay Explosion:
i.On 14th April 1944, the freighter SS Fort Stikine at the Victoria Dock of Bombay port(Presently Mumbai) carrying a cargo of cotton bales, gold, and ammunition including around 1,400 tons of explosives caught on fire.
ii.This incident is known as the Bombay explosion or the Bombay docks explosion.
iii.The explosion has killed around 800 to 1300 people and 71 firemen.
iv.The explosion broke the ship into 2 halves and damaged the ships which were present in the vicinity.
Fire Service Week or Fire Prevention Week:
i.The Fire Service Week or Fire Prevention Week is annually observed across India under the guidance of Fire Advise, Ministry of Home Affairs from 14th April to 20th April.
ii.The Fire Service Week has been propagated by the National Safety Council Since 1999.
iii.The observance of the week acts as a reminder to all the sections of the society to review their fire safety needs and to develop a suitable strategy for the prevention of fire.
