International Firefighters' Day

Since 1999, firefighters around the world have celebrated International Firefighters' Day on May 4. This international day of honor stems from a tragic event on December 2, 1998, when five firefighters died in a wildfire in Linton, Region Victoria, Australia. The van of five firefighters was engulfed in flames and burned to death along with its occupants. May 4 is also known in many European countries as the name day of St. Florian von Lorch, who is also considered the patron saint of all firefighters.