International Firefighters Day observed globally on May 4

Key facts

• International Firefighters Day is observed annually on May 4 to recognise the commitment and bravery of firefighters who protect lives, property, and the environment.
• The establishment of this day was prompted by a tragic bushfire in Linton, Australia, on 2 December 1998, which led to the deaths of five firefighters.
• JJ Edmondson, a volunteer firefighter from Victoria, advocated for the international day of recognition through a proposal sent on 4 January 1999.
• The first International Firefighters Day was officially observed in 1999 and coincides with the feast day of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
• The day is symbolised by a red and blue ribbon, where red represents the intensity of fire and blue represents water and emergency services.