Fire and Rescue Services personnel who sacrificed their lives during rescue operations in 1944 were remembered during the National Fire Service Day on Saturday.
The day is observed every year to remember the 71 firemen who lost lives fighting the fire that took place at freighter SS Fort Stikine at the Victoria Dock in the then Bombay Port on April 14, 1944. The explosion led to killing of hundreds of people including the firemen apart from causing extensive damage to ships. To remember those brave men who lost their lives fighting the fire, the day is observed nationally every year. The national theme for the year is “Fire loss is National loss – Let us Adopt fire safety measures”.
The day was observed at the Fire Service Station in the city where wreath was placed and two-minute silence was observed by the firemen. Officials stressed the important of following fire safety and prevention methods in each households and industries to ensure safety for all.
