On December 2, 1998, a tragic event shook the community of Linton, Australia and the world. Firefighters in Lenton, Australia – a populated region in Victoria – were fighting a great forest fire and asked for help. This urgent call attracted the fire brigade of the West Geelong without knowing the despair and the tragedy they were about to live. Garry Vredaveldt, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong all traveled in the company’s truck. They were part of an attack team and were being sent to help extinguish the flames.
As the five went to the hot zone, the wind suddenly changed direction and the flames wrapped, killing the five members.
This unfortunate incident is what inspired JJ Edmondson to carry out an International holiday, called International day of Forest Fire Combatters, to support the loss of lives and firefighters that risk their lives every day to save lives and goods.
Red and blue ribbon
One of the most significant symbols of the International Day of Forest Fire Combatters is the red and blue ribbon. This tape is cut with an accuracy five centimeters long and one centimeter wide, with the two separate colors joined at the top.
JJ Edmonson chose red and blue because red represented the element of the fire, while blue would represent the element of the water. Coincidentally, red and blue are also colors to mean emergency services throughout the world recognized. Therefore, red and blue is the best choice of color to recognize an international holiday.
San Florián
Florián de Lorch or Florián de Lorsch or San Florián, killed on May 4, 304, is a Christian saint, patron of Poland, the city of Linz, of the chimneys and firefighters cleaners, with a liturgical party on May 4.
Florián lived in Lauriacum in the time of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximiano. Bavaria’s imperial army commanded. He was also responsible for the Fire Brigades.
The Romans fought against the expansion of Christianity, and sent the consul Aquilino to accelerate the persecution of Christians.
Aquilino proposed to Florián to offer a sacrifice to a Roman divinity. This one, being a Christian, refused. He was persecuted and tortured. In the end, he was thrown into the Enns River with a large stone tied around his neck.
Therefore, the International Day of the Forest Fire Combatter is held on May 4, a party in honor of San Florián, patron of firefighters.
Objectives of the International Forest Fire Combatter
Fire prevention and the need for more intense and exhaustive training is one of the main aspects of the International Forest Fire Combatter. Firefighters and their agencies around the world are constantly emphasizing fire prevention: in schools, in the community, in public events, in assemblies and even their own families. The safest way to keep firefighters and the home of their families alive is training.
Also, this celebration serves:
– Express the support of the international community and of society in general to those who fight the fires of forests and fields worldwide, recognizing their level of commitment and dedication.
– Remember those who have lost their lives, or suffered damages or sequelae in the fight against forests and fields.
– As a sign of respect and thanks to those who try to preserve the life and integrity of the heritage and natural resources of the effects of unwanted fires.
Related news :