By Madhurima Ghosh –
National Fire Service day or Martyrs Day is observed every year on 14th April to pay tribute to all those courageous fire service personnel who surrendered their lives to save lives and assets in the massive explosion at Mumbai dockyard in 1944. People pay their respect and homage to the outstanding fire fighters on this day for their incredible commitment and sacrifice. The government of India also honors fearless fire fighters on NFS day who have done extraordinary work in their service. This day is the symbol of discipline, courage and dedication of the fire fighters as their motto is “Serve to Save Lives and Property”.
Additionally, Fire Service Week is observed from April 14 to April 20 throughout India to raise awareness among the public regarding fire safety.
History of National Fire Service Day
During World War II, the SS fort Stikine freight was carrying lubricating oil barrels, ammunition, detonators, cotton bales, currency note, gold etc and arrived at Victoria Fort, Mumbai dockyard on 12th April. The explosives which were about 1400 tonnes were not unloaded and halted for over 24 hours in the ship without any safety concerns. The ship caught fire and it started growing at a high pace. The fire fighters immediately reached the spot and were trying to put out the fire but were unsuccessful. After a while a huge explosion occurred which split the ship in two halves. Even after such an explosion the fire fighters did not give up and continued to perform their duty. Within some time there was another powerful explosion that spread the fire to nearby slums through burning material and debris. In this incident around 800 to 1300 people and 71 firefighters lost their lives, many got injured and Victoria dock was abolished. The explosion and the ravaging fire destroyed some of the highly developed and economically workable areas of Bombay. Though it took 4 days to put out the main fire, the smaller fires continued for another two weeks.
The Standing Fire Services Advisory Committee was formed by Ministry of Home Affairs on the recommendation of the conference of fire chiefs of India in 1955. At the first meeting SFAC recommended to observe a fire prevention week once a year in India. In 1965 at the 11th meeting the committee decided to designate a day as fire service day and 14th April was chosen as the day since the brave fire fighters lost their lives on this day in the fire explosion in Mumbai. In 1966 14th April was officially declared as Fire Service Day.
Objective of Fire Safety Campaigns
- The main objective of this campaign is to conduct an awareness program so that such similar situations as 1944 can be prevented in future
- To create an awareness related to fire safety in all spheres of human activity
- To focus special attention on fire prevention in work place.
- To check the operability of fire protection equipments.
- To train employees to control fire effectively.
Fire Safety Awareness Program Includes –
- Training in fire prevention and protection with demonstration.
- Rehearsals to ascertain the preparedness to fight fire emergencies.
- Essays slogans and poster competition based on the chosen theme.
- Raising awareness among public. regarding fire safety via media and internet
- Fire safety audits.
- Conducting mass awareness program including fire evacuation drill in schools.
- Conducting fire mock drills in industry.
- Conducting hose hydrant drills and rescue drills for workers and fire fighters.
Theme of National Fire Service Day 2022
This day is observed based on a theme every year and this year the theme of the National Fire Service Day is “Learn Fire Safety, Increase Productivity”.