Today is International Firefighters Day. Firefighters Day became a worldwide celebration in 1999. On January 4th of that year, a tragic wildfire claimed the lives of five firefighters in Australia. Soon after the event, a firefighter named JJ Edmondson sent an email to his colleagues calling for an international holiday that would honor the sacrifices and triumphs of firefighters everywhere. On May 4th people all over the world celebrated the first International Firefighters Day.

Did you know that May 4th is also the feast day of Saint Florian? According to legend, Saint Florian saved an entire burning village in Ancient Rome with a single bucket of water. He is the patron saint of chimney sweeps and firefighters, so it is fitting that we celebrate International Firefighters Day on this particular date.

The symbol for International Firefighters Day is a red and blue ribbon. The color red symbolizes fire and the blue represents water. These colors also signify emergency services around the world.

To celebrate International Firefighters Day, thank your local firefighters for all that they do to protect your community!