14th April is annually observed as National Fire Service (NFS) Day across India to pay homage to the firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and emphasize the importance of fire service.
- The day is also commemorated as a Martyr’s Day to pay homage to the Fire Service personnel who lost their lives on 14th April 1944 during the massive Bombay explosion at the Victoria Dock in the Mumbai Port.
- The theme of National Fire Service Day/week 2023 is “Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of National Infrastructure” (AGNI)”.
Note – 2022 year theme of the National Fire Service Day was “Learn Fire Safety, Increase Productivity”.
Fire Service Week or Fire Prevention Week:
i.Fire Service Week (FSW) or Fire Prevention Week is observed every year nation-wide under the guidance of the Fire Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs from April 14 – 20.
ii.The National Safety Council (NSC) has been promoting the FSW Campaign since 1999 with a view to propagate Fire Safety awareness among employees, their families and the public.
1944 fire accident – Bombay Explosion:
i.The 1944 Bombay Explosion also known as the Bombay Dock explosion occurred on 14th April 1944 at the Victoria Dock at Bombay port, British India (at present Mumbai, Maharashtra.
ii.The explosion occurred when the British freighter SS Fort Stikine, carrying a mixed cargo of cotton bales, gold, and ammunition including around 1,400 tons of explosives, caught fire.
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.
Note – 2023 marks the 79th anniversary of the Bombay Dock explosion.
