Diamond Anniversary: Myanmar Fire Services Department Marks 75th Anniversary

A ceremony to mark the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee of Myanmar Fire Services Department was held in Yangon on Wednesday.

Member of the State Administration Council Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Soe Htut attended the ceremony and gave a speech.

The Fire Brigade members were provided with 10 million kyats honorary cash and 4 basic foodstuff, by Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander in Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The provisions have been handed over to the Director General of Myanmar Fire Services Department.

The outstanding members of Fire Brigade were presented honorary awards during the ceremony. A total of 230 Fire Brigade members have been received outstanding awards so far.

Assistant Director, Fire Services Department (Chin State), Han Soe said “During my duty assignment in Rakhine State, there was a motor boat accident in the Bay of Bengal on 14th July 2018. During this incident, we can rescue four people alive. For this, I achieved Ye Kyaw Swar Title. It was about two miles from the view point to the place of accident happened, and also the wave was very stormy. It took about 45 minutes to get there for rescue. The wave height was about 7 to 8 feet. When we arrived there, the boat has already sunk as it hit with the rock. I am very glad for achieving YeKyaw Swar Title. I will continue serving for the public, not only carrying out fire safety and rescue work.”

Staff Officer, Fire Services Department (Loikaw, Kayah State), Nyi Htwe Oo said “I have been awarded Ye Bala Title for my outstanding performance in rescue work. I can save a person alive  who fell down to the well at Narnattaw Ward in Loikaw Township in 2020. An old man dropped the basket while fetching water from the well. When he tried to pick it up, he fell down into the well, and could not able to climb up. When we arrived there, he cannot breathe. But we can able to save him through first aid measures.”

Fire Brigade had been formed since the time of ancient Myanmar Kings. The evidences show that 663 firemen were appointed to perform the fire prevention measures in Bagan under the rule of King Anawrahta.

The first Yangon Municipal fire brigade was organized in 1885. In 1932, voluntary fire brigade was formed according to Yangon Municipal Act.

On 5th May 1946, the 1st National Level Voluntary Fire Union Conference was held in Yangon with the participation of 197 representatives from 19 Districts across the country. Since then, the 5th of May was designated as the Myanmar Fire Brigade Day and held its celebration every year.