National Fire Service Day (NFSD) is observed annually on April 14 in India to pay tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly during the Bombay Dock Explosion of 1944.
- The day also marks the beginning of the Fire Service Week (FSW), which is observed annually from April 14 to 20 to raise awareness about fire safety measures among the public, employees, and students.
- April 14, 2025, marks the 81st anniversary of the 1944 Bombay Dock explosion.
Theme:
i.The theme of NFSD 2025 and FSW 2025 is “Unite to Ignite, a Fire Safe India – Fire Safety, Contribute towards Nation Building.”
ii.The theme highlights the crucial role of community involvement, education, and preparedness, while also underscoring the importance of innovation in fire safety.
Background:
i.On 14th April 1944, the British cargo ship SS Fort Stikine, carrying explosives, cotton, and gold, caught fire and exploded at Victoria Dock, Bombay Port (now Mumbai, Maharashtra).
ii.The blast destroyed the dock and surrounding areas, injuring 476 people and killing 231, including civilians and firefighters. This tragedy remains a grim reminder of fire hazards in industrial zones.
iii.In 1965, during the 11th meeting of the Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC), 14th April was officially designated as National Fire Service Day and the following week as National Fire Service Week to commemorate the 1944 Dock Explosion.
Fire Service Week or Fire Prevention Week:
i.Fire Service Week (FSW), also referred to as Fire Prevention Week, is commemorated nationwide every year from April 14 to 20, under the supervision of the Fire Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
ii.Since 1999, the National Safety Council (NSC) has been actively promoting the Fire Service Week (FSW) campaign to raise awareness about fire safety among employees, their families, and the general public.
ii.The initiative aims to educate employees, their families, and the general public on the importance of fire prevention and protection measures.
About Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards (DG FSCDGH):
In India, the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards (DG FSDCGH) serves as the apex authority for managing fire services, civil defence, and home guard-related functions and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI).
Director General (DG) – Vivek Srivastava
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1962
