Western Australians will join others around the world today to commemorate firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.
International Firefighters' Day is usually marked with a ceremony at the Firefighters' Memorial at Kings Park, but due to social distancing requirements an online video tribute has been produced instead to recognise the sacrifices made by firefighters.
This year's day is especially poignant with the passing of nine firefighters during the Black Summer fires and the loss of three American crew members aboard a water-bombing aircraft.
Today also celebrates the more than 22,000 career and volunteer firefighters across our vast State who continue to work around the clock to protect lives and homes every day including bushfires, structure fires, HAZMAT incidents and road crashes.
International Firefighters' Day is held to coincide with the feast day of St Florian who was the patron saint of firefighters.
To view the online commemoration, visit http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/InternationalFirefightersMemorial
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
"This year's International Firefighters' Day is particularly moving with the tragic deaths of nine firefighters during Australia's recent Black Summer bushfires.
"Three American water bomber crew members also lost their lives trying to help east coast communities.
"We hope every time that a firefighter braves a fire they will come back safely, but sadly that does not always occur so today we gather together online to commemorate those that gave everything.
"But we also celebrate the current efforts and selfless dedication of our firefighters.
"Thank you to all our firefighters and emergency services personnel who continue to be ready to respond to emergencies at a moment's notice during these uncertain times."
