Since early in the present century the first Sunday in May has been known as International Firefighters’ Day, when firefighters who have lost their lives are commemorated.  This day is chosen because it relates to the feast day of St Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.

In London a ceremony is held at the Firefighters’ Memorial (formerly the Blitz Memorial) in Peter’s Hill, just south of St Paul’s Cathedral, in the City of London.

Correction:  4 May, not the first Sunday in May, is International Firefighters’ Day.

Photograph taken 5 May 2024.

Edited 29 April 2026