International Firefighters’ Day was established in 1999 to honor the lives of five firefighters who died in a wildfire in Linton, Victoria, Australia, on December 2, 1998 – Garry Vredeveldt, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong.

May 4 has been selected as a day to recognize the service and sacrifice that all firefighters around the world make daily. Here at Wildfire Today we especially appreciate wildland firefighters, tactical athletes who take on vegetation fires from the air, from engines, and those on foot using hand tools while carrying 45 pounds of gear.

We also need to recognize the others who work at logistics, dispatch, warehouses, and tanker bases. Just as important are the families of these men and women who temporarily lose their spouse, son, or daughter for weeks at a time during the fire season. Too often there is an empty seat at anniversaries, birthdays, soccer games, and summer vacations.

Thank a firefighter today.