79th Anniversary of MFB: MOHA UM delivered a speech of honor at the celebration

The 79th Anniversary of Myanmar Fire Brigade was held at the Thida Hall of the Fire Brigade’s Headquarters in Mayangone Township, Yangon in the morning on May 5.

Union Minister for Home Affairs, Lt-Gen. Tun Tun Naung, attended the event and delivered a speech of honor.

At the beginning of the ceremony, a one-minute silence was observed to mourn and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent earthquake. A documentary video marking the 79th anniversary was then shown, which included ongoing search and rescue operations by fire service personnel in quake-affected areas.

In his address, the Union Minister shared that between 2015 and 2024, Myanmar experienced around 18,000 fire incidents, with estimated property losses exceeding 192 billion Kyats. He emphasized that fire safety efforts cannot be complete without public cooperation, and that the Fire Services Department has continually and selflessly worked in fire extinguishing and search and rescue missions for the benefit of the nation and the communities.

He highlighted the exemplary performance of search and rescue teams during the March 28, 2025 Mandalay earthquake, where Myanmar’s Fire Services Department collaborated with local partners, international search and rescue teams, emergency response units, and medical groups.

According to the Fire Services Department, within 12 hours of the earthquake, they were able to rescue 391 survivors and recover 145 deceased individuals. Within 36 hours, they had rescued 604 survivors and recovered 348 deceased. Collaboration with international teams resulted in the rescue of 8 survivors and recovery of 203 bodies, bringing the total to 653 rescued and 789 recovered, that is  a level of performance that garnered international recognition and respect.

Following the speech, the Union Minister presented honorary awards to U Htun Shwe, a singer known for the “Fire Awareness” song, a senior firefighter aged over 90 still serving in reserve duty, two auxiliary firefighters, and two firefighters awarded with bravery medals. Director General U Myat Thu then presented commemorative gifts for the 79th anniversary to the Union Minister and Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein.

The Chief Minister awarded Two Yebala medal recipients, one outstanding award recipient from the Civil Service Academy, A group that won in international skills competitions, Several recipients of the "First-Class Social Contribution Award."

At the end of the ceremony, the Union Minister viewed a live demonstration of firefighting and rescue operations. He presented awards to the demonstration team and toured an exhibition showcasing antique and modern fire engines, rescue and firefighting vehicles, and equipment used in fire suppression and search-and-rescue missions.