LAHORE: The Punjab Emergency Services Department (ESD) on Saturday observed International Firefighters’ Day to honour the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters worldwide.

Firefighters Day was first marked in 1999 after five firefighters died during a wildfire in Australia when the direction of the wind changed suddenly and engulfed them in flames.

An event of International Firefighters’ Day was held at Emergency Services Headquarters. Punjab Minister for Special Healthcare and Medical Education and Emergency Services Khwaja Salman Rafique, ESD Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer, Rescue 1122 officers from headquarters, academy, different districts and the best fire rescuers of the province attended the ceremony.

The participants of the event observed one-minute silence in the memory of 23 Rescue 1122 officials martyred to provide a sense of safety to the community.

The minister paid tribute to the firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while rendering their services to protect precious human lives and properties of the citizens.

He said that the government will ensure 100 percent implementation of Punjab Community Safety Buildings Regulations 2022.

Dr Naseer highlighted that the Rescue Fire Service had responded to 231,056 fire incidents in the province during the last 18 years and saved losses worth of Rs 664 billion.

He said Rescue 1122 has set highest service delivery standards in field of fire and also become the first United Nations certified team in South Asia.

He advised the public to install fire hydrants, alarm systems, emergency exits and stairs in high rise buildings.

He awarded the best fire rescuers of the Punjab with a cash prize of double salary, shields and certificates and awards to the best team of the division for the year 2023.

The Best Performance Award of 2023 was presented to Atif Mehmood (lead fire rescuer of Bahawalpur), Muhammad Zeeshan (fire DERT rescuer of Sheikhpura) and Asim Javed (DERT rescuer from Lahore). The best performing rescuers were presented with cash and appreciation certificates.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in her statement praised the efforts and recognised the sacrifices of the firefighters to save the lives of the people.

“We cannot forget the rescuers who give their lives to save others. I salute every brave firefighter on International Firefighters’ Day,” she said in her statement.

She called the firefighters as real heroes.

“It is important to implement safety measures to prevent fire incidents. Implementation of building safety laws will be ensured to protect high-rise buildings from fire,” she said while adding necessary steps were being taken to implement Punjab Community Safety Buildings Regulations.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2024