Firefighters' professionalization is more than a necessity—it's a moral and practical imperative. While reading Zhou Bowen’s blog, I was deeply moved by his emotional call for change in the fire service. The tragic incident on February 4th in Shanghai, where two firefighters lost their lives, one of whom was born in November 1995—only 23 years old at the time—left me heartbroken. It's heartbreaking to think that someone so young, still in college or just starting their life, could be taken away in such a way.
Every firefighter has a family, and with most families being only-child households, the loss is not just of a hero but of a vital part of a family’s future. These individuals are not just heroes; they are sons, brothers, and future fathers. Society needs to respect and protect them, not just admire them from afar.
On May 2nd, another tragic event occurred in Shanghai's Xuhui District when two elderly firefighters fell from the 13th floor while responding to a high-rise fire. One of them was born in 1991, the other in 1994. The latter was barely 20 years old—still a child in many ways. It's shocking that such young people are risking their lives in dangerous situations, often without adequate training or protection.
These incidents raise serious questions about how we prepare our firefighters. Are these sacrifices inevitable, or can we do better? The official report stated that the firefighters were affected by flash fires and hot gas surges, which made their fall unavoidable. But the question remains: were they properly equipped with safety gear like ropes and escape devices? Were they trained to handle such scenarios?
One netizen shared an experience from a fire safety course, explaining that in a sealed room during a fire, the temperature can become extremely high, creating dangerous conditions. Firefighters should wait for the storm to pass before entering. However, many new recruits lack this crucial knowledge and experience, making them vulnerable.
Another former firefighter pointed out systemic issues within the current fire service. Training is minimal, safety awareness is almost nonexistent, and there's a culture of sacrifice rather than preparation. Many firefighters serve only a few years, leaving little time to gain real experience. This leads to a cycle of underprepared personnel facing high-risk situations.
In addition, the system suffers from frequent turnover, especially during conscription retirements and leadership changes, which weaken the force at critical times. Firefighters also face poor treatment and limited career advancement, further demotivating them.
In contrast, countries like Hong Kong and many Western nations have already adopted professional firefighting systems. This ensures stability, allows for continuous training, and gives firefighters long-term careers. Professionalization would also allow firefighters to be directly managed by local authorities, improving response times and reducing staffing shortages.
To reduce unnecessary sacrifices and improve firefighter safety, it's time to push for full professionalization. Firefighters deserve better training, better equipment, and a system that values their lives as much as their service. They are not just soldiers—they are essential members of our communities who deserve to be protected, respected, and supported.
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