National Fire Service Week (NSW) is observed annually in India from April 14th to April 20th to honor the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. This week commemorates the tragic incident of April 14, 1944, when a massive explosion aboard the freighter SS Fort Stikine at Victoria Dock in Bombay Port led to widespread devastation. The disaster claimed hundreds of lives, including 71 courageous firefighters who fought relentlessly to control the blaze. National Fire Service Week 2025 Theme: Industries across the country conduct training sessions, drills and rehearsals to enhance emergency preparedness. This observance honors fallen heroes while reinforcing fire safety awareness and emergency response readiness. History and Significance of National Fire Service Week On April 14, 1944, a devastating fire broke out aboard the ship S.S. Fort Stikine at Victoria Docks in Bombay (Mumbai). The vessel was carrying highly flammable cargo, including cotton ...