Damascus, May 4 (SANA) The director of the search and rescue program at the Syrian Civil Defense, under the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, Wissam Zeidan said that annual recognition of firefighters reflects appreciation for their efforts and heroism under the most difficult conditions, noting that their work goes beyond professional duty to become a national and humanitarian commitment aimed at building public confidence and promoting a culture of safety and prevention.
Speaking to SANA on the occasion of International Firefighters’ Day, observed annually on May 4, Zeidan said that 2,367 fires were recorded during the first quarter of 2026, compared to 2,261 in the same period of 2025, reflecting the scale of responsibility borne by firefighting teams in strengthening public safety.
He attributed the slight increase in recorded fires to an expansion in response capacity and broader geographic deployment of teams compared to the previous year.
The number of injuries remained broadly similar between the two periods, with approximately 139 injuries registered in the first quarter of 2025 and comparable figures recorded in the same quarter of 2026.
Zeidan outlined the hazards firefighters face daily in the field, including direct exposure to flames and extreme heat, risk of structural collapse inside damaged buildings, inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, potential explosions or hazardous material leaks during response operations, and difficult terrain — particularly in forest fires.
He also flagged the danger posed by unexploded ordnance in forest fire zones, limited water sources in some areas, and the physical exhaustion and psychological strain resulting from prolonged shifts under intense pressure, along with long-term health consequences for firefighters.
He said these challenges are addressed through coordination with operations centers, strengthened communication systems between teams, expanded deployment of fire stations, appropriate geographic distribution of response points, and the use of specialized equipment suited to each area’s conditions. Average response time stands at approximately eight minutes, achieved through strategic field deployment and advanced response posts.
Prevention is a community responsibility
Zeidan stressed that fire prevention is a shared societal responsibility, and that adherence to safety measures significantly reduces emergencies and protects lives and property.
He called on the public to cooperate with firefighting teams during incidents, report hazards early, and promote a culture of safety in homes, public spaces, and communities.
International Firefighters’ Day has been observed on May 4 each year since 1999, established following a tragic incident in the Australian state of Victoria in which five firefighters died while battling a major blaze — an event that prompted an international campaign to dedicate a global day honoring the profession and the sacrifices of those who serve in it.
Kh.A
