International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is annually observed across the globe on May 4, to honour the courageous fighters, who risked their lives to protect communities and the environment.
- It is also a time to honour firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty and express gratitude to both present and former firefighters.
- St. Florian’s day is also celebrated on May 4.
IFFD Symbol:
i.Pieces of Red-Blue ribbons pinned together at the top, are linked to colours, red and blue, symbolizing the main elements in the work of the firefighters.
- Red colour symbolizes ‘fire’; Blue represents ‘water’.
- Blue ribbon over red ribbon, which signifies Water over Fire.
ii.These colours are internationally recognized as representing emergency service.
Background:
i.IFFD was initiated to honour the loss of lives of 5 firefighters in a wildfire that occurred in Lindon, Australia in 1998.
- The 5 firefighters were Garry Vredeveldt, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong of Geelong West, Australia.
ii.On 4th January 1999, JJ Edmondson, a volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter in Australia, sent an IFFD proposal to promote the need for IFFD on May4.
iii.The first IFFD was celebrated on May 4, 1999.
Significance of the date:
i.May 4 is linked to the feast day of St Florian, the patron saint of all firefighters.
ii.He was the first known commander of one firefighting squad in the Roman Empire.
iii.He lost his life, protecting the ideals shared by firefighters globally.
Note: Firefighters in European countries celebrate 4th of May as a ‘Day of Fire Service’ as well as Florian’s day.
Sound–Off event:
i.Sound-Off, an international event, sounding fire sirens for 30 seconds at local noon time, followed by a minute of silence, started in 2002 for IFFD.
ii.It was conducted to show respect for the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of firefighters worldwide.
iii.Following its success, the sound-off tradition has evolved into an annual event held on the 1st Sunday of May.
- The Sound-off event of 2025 was celebrated on May 4.
Related Observance:
National Fire Service Day is observed annually on April 14 in India to honor the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters, commemorating the tragic events of the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion.
