The IFFD was instituted after a suggestion from an Australian following the tragic deaths of five firefighters in the Linton fire on December 1, 1998 in Victoria, Australia. Here is a description of the incident from “Infamous Wildland Fires around the World“:
On Wednesday 2 December 1998, a fire started in a forest north of the small Victorian town of Linton. The day was hot (28 C) with light northerly winds. At about 18.00 (6.00 p.m.), when the main fire had been contained around the edge of the town, bulldozers supported by tankers (engines) started clearing a control line on the eastern flank of the fire. At about 20.00 (8.00 p.m.) the Operations Point broadcast a warning to crews that a wind change was one hour away. Two tankers, drove ahead of a bulldozer along an old track in an attempt to get to a water point. The crews of the two tankers did not acknowledge receipt of the broadcast warning. When the wind changed direction and strength it drove the fire towards the two tankers which were surrounded by unburned fuels and up-slope of the fire. One tanker was destroyed by fire and its crew of five men died.
May 4 has been e a traditional Firefighters’ Day in many European countries, because it’s the day of Saint Florian, patron saint of firefighters.
IFFD does not garner a lot of attention–even many (most?) firefighters are unfamiliar with it. According to Wikipedia:
International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is a time where the world’s community can recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions.
So, what are YOU doing for IFFD?
