In a message released on Tuesday, the mayor of Qom has extended his congratulations on the arrival of National Day of Fire Fighting and Safety Services to the firefighters of Qom Municipality.

Dr. Seyyed Morteza Saghaiannejad emphasized on promoting culture, and raising public awareness to further secure the society against dangers.

By promoting a safety culture and providing the required citizenship education, we will have a safe and accident-free city, Saghaiannejad noted.

He also stressed the firefighters’ sacrifices, adding the more investment is made in the fire department, the lower the rate and percentage of accidents.

Moreover, the mayor commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of those who give up their lives in the line of duty, saying this occasion is an opportunity to pay tribute to members of the fire and rescue service who are devoted to protect the public.

September 29 was first observed as the National Firefighters’ Day in the Iranian calendar year 1379 (March 2000-March 2001), 20 years after a tragic incident during the Iran-Iraq war.

In the Iranian calendar year 1359 (March 1980-March 1990), on the same day, Iraqi warplanes attacked the Abadan oil refinery and set it ablaze. Firefighters went on to extinguish the fire, but this time fire was not their only enemy; the refinery was extensively shelled again and many firefighters were martyred in the incident.

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