Fire Service Day / Martyrs Day Observed

Aizawl : Every year, Fire Service Week is observed across India from 14th to 20th April, with 14th April specifically marked as Fire Service Day/Martyrs Day. On this day in 1944, the cargo ship S.S. Fort Stikine exploded at the Mumbai dockyard. The ship was carrying a large quantity of explosives and ammunition, leading to a massive fire and explosion. In this tragic incident, 66 members of the Bombay Fire Brigade and 11 personnel from the Bombay Salvage Corps lost their lives in the line of duty. To honor their supreme sacrifice, 14th April is commemorated annually as Fire Service Day, while the entire week is observed as Fire Service Week throughout India.

The Government of India assigns a national theme each year for Fire Service Week. This year (2025), the theme is:
“Unite to Ignite, A Fire Safe India.”
(In Mizo: “Kangmei lakah kan ram a him nan, i tangrual ang u.”)

As part of the week-long observance, every fire station will conduct fire safety inspections in at least one hospital or nursing home and one school in their respective areas. Additionally, fire safety awareness lectures and mock drills will be organized for school authorities and staff.

This year, five personnel from the Mizoram Fire & Emergency Services have been selected to receive the Bronze Disc & Commendation Certificate from the Director General, Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in recognition of their outstanding service. The awardees are:

• Leading Firefighter J. Zoliana – Siaha Fire Station
• Firefighter H. Lalthlamuana – Vairengte Fire Station
• Firefighter S. Lalremruata – F&ES Headquarters
• Firefighter L. David Vungzaliana – Khatla Fire Station
• Driver Special Grade Thangchhuana – Kolasib Fire Station

The Martyrs Day / Commemoration Parade was held at the Fire & Emergency Services Headquarters, Hunthar Veng, Aizawl, at 7:00 a.m. on 14th April 2025. A moment of silence was observed across all fire stations in Aizawl at 9:00 a.m. as a mark of respect for the firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Wreaths were also laid at the Martyrs’ Memorial as part of the observance.