International Firefighter’s Day 2020: Celebrated on May 4

International Firefighter’s Day 2020: Celebrated on May 4

International Firefighter’s Day is celebrated on May 4 every year all around the world.

It was instituted on 4 January, 1999 after a proposal via emailed out across the world due to the deaths of five firefighter’s in a bushfire in Australia. Therefore, this day is celebrated to recognize and honour the sacrifices that firefighter’s make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible.

Therefore, this day is observed to recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighter’s make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible.

According to Wikipedia: On December 2, 1998, a tragic event shook the Linton Community, Australia and the world. Firefighters in Linton, Australia, a populated region in Victoria, were fighting a large bush fire and called for mutual aid. This urgent mutual aid call brought the Geelong West Fire Brigade to the scene, not knowing the despair and tragedy that was in store. Garry Vredeveldt, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong all loaded into company’s truck. They were part of a strike team and were being sent to help extinguish the flames. As the five headed into the hot zone, the wind suddenly switched direction, engulfing the truck in flames and killing all five members. This unfortunate incident is what inspired JJ Edmondson to bring about an international holiday, called International Firefighters’ Day, to support the lives lost and dedicated fire fighters who risk their lives every day to save life and property.