April 30 — Fire Protection Day: history, traditions, congratulations
Every year in Russia, on April 30, fire protection officers celebrate their professional holiday. The holiday reminds of the importance of the service of those who daily resist the fiery elements, protecting the lives and safety of citizens. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday. Read about the history of the service and the traditions of the celebration in the Izvestia article.
Russian Fire Protection Day – 2025: the history of the formation of the service and the establishment of the holiday
The modern State Fire Service is a highly efficient operational system that includes federal units and regional structures of the subjects of Russia. Its employees solve a wide range of tasks, including extinguishing fires, eliminating the consequences of emergencies, helping victims of road accidents and participating in complex rescue operations.
In 1999, Russian firefighters had their own professional holiday. The corresponding decree "On the establishment of Fire Protection Day" was signed by Boris Yeltsin, who held the post of President of the Russian Federation at that time.
The holiday date was not chosen by chance — it was on April 30, 1649 that Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich signed the Decree on the City Deanery. The document regulated not only fire extinguishing measures, but also the duties of citizens to prevent fires. For example, it required fire patrols to be on constant duty, provided for the installation of mechanical water pipes, and also imposed penalties for violations of fire regulations.
Peter I made a significant contribution to the development of the service. In 1722, one of the first professional fire brigades was established at the Admiralty in St. Petersburg, and a fire station was built. At that time, firefighters were equipped with pumps and for the first time formed into independent regular units.
Under Nicholas I, in the 19th century, the systematic organization of urban fire guards began throughout the Russian Empire, and fire alarm towers were erected to monitor and alarm fires.
In 1853, the "Normal report card of the fire department in cities" appeared, which determined the number of firefighters depending on the size of the settlement. For example, with a population of up to 2 thousand inhabitants, the fire brigade included five employees, and with 25-30 thousand, there were already 75 specialists under the leadership of the fire chief. Since 1858, firefighters began using the telegraph to call for commands, and in the 1890s— telephone communication.
With the establishment of Soviet power, the development of the fire service received a new impetus, fire protection became a state task.
In April 1918, Vladimir Lenin, Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR, adopted a decree on fire safety measures. The document provided for the development of fire prevention, the training of professional firefighters, and the production of machinery.
In 1936, the functions of the service were significantly expanded, the Main Department of Fire Protection was established and the regulation on State Fire Supervision was approved, which strengthened control over safety at facilities.
After the collapse of the USSR, the structure was reformed. In 1993, the State Fire Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia was established, and in 2001 it became part of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation as the Federal Fire Service.
How to celebrate Fire Protection Day: traditions of celebration in Russia
On April 30, solemn formations of personnel of fire and rescue units, award ceremonies for distinguished employees, as well as commemorative events in honor of those killed in the line of duty are held in many Russian cities.
Special attention is paid to educational work during the holiday. Many fire departments organize open days, during which citizens can get acquainted with modern technology and equipment, learn about the everyday life of rescuers, and receive lessons in safe behavior in emergency situations.
Special thematic lessons on the need to fight fire, master classes and evacuation training are organized for schoolchildren and students.
The festive atmosphere is complemented by demonstrations, including the extinguishing of simulated fires and a demonstration of rescue methods.
In a number of regions, the holiday ends with flash mobs, sports competitions, and exhibitions of equipment in city squares. All this serves as a reminder of the importance of the profession and contributes to the formation of a respectful attitude towards it among the younger generations.
Who and how to congratulate on Fire Protection Day
Fire Protection Day is an occasion to express gratitude not only to current employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, but also to veterans of the service, teachers of specialized educational institutions. Izvestia has prepared several examples of congratulations:
"Dear fire protection officers! Please accept my sincere congratulations on your professional holiday! Your service requires courage, self-sacrifice, perseverance and high responsibility. We wish you health, well-being and success in your service for the benefit of society."
"Congratulations on Fire Protection Day! Thank you for standing guard over our homes and lives. We wish you good health, quiet duty, self-confidence and well-deserved respect from society!"
"Dear fire protection officers and rescuers! Congratulations on the Russian Fire Protection Day! You carry out a difficult and noble service, protecting the population and territories from the fiery elements. May your dedication always be rewarded with people's gratitude, and may every day bring a sense of accomplishment and confidence in the future!"
Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the Day of Emergency Medical Workers.
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