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 What
would you do if a fire breaks out? Yes, you would call 119. Then,
brave fire fighters would come to put out the fire. Every year
Korea celebrates Firefighting Day소방의 날 on November 9 (119) to raise awareness of fire safety.
Last Friday was the 50th Firefighting Day. International Firefighters
Day is observed on May 4 every year. Let’s thank the firefighters
all over the world who work hard to save our lives!
Fire stations have a long
history. The first official fire department
in the world was founded in Boston in 1678. Back then, Firefighters
used to be called “bucket brigades.” In Korea,
the first fire station was built in the Chosun Era around 1426. Of
course it looked pretty different from today’s advanced fire stations.
Korea’s first modern fire station was built in 1947.
 In
the past, firefighters had a hard time putting out a fire. This was
because the first fire engine was actually
a hand-operated pump for water
on wheels. Firefighters would often have to push and pull it to a
fire! How dangerous! The first automated, steam powered fire engine
in the U.S. was built in New York in 1841.
Did you know that Dalmatians used to play an
important role for firefighters? A long time ago, firefighters drove
horse-drawn fire engines.
The Dalmatians helped the firefighters get to the fire faster by nipping at the heels of the horses as they
ran! This was why they used to be called “firehouse dogs.”
 When extinguishing
a fire, firefighters wear fire-resistant pants, a fire-resistant jacket,
safety boots, helmet, goggles,
insulated gloves, and a T-shirt
with their station name on it. Firefighters’ clothing can weigh up
to 30 kilograms! All of firefighters’ clothing have reflective striping.
This helps them see each other in smoky or dark places.
Today, there are many firefighters in Korea. They always work hard
to protect our lives, risking their own lives. So always thank them
for their sacrifice and hard work.
Never make a prank call to 119 and most importantly, be careful not to start a fire! |
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