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We’re all set to celebrate International Firefighters’ Day on 4th May with some cool firefighter crafts for kids! Goes well with a lesson on fire safety!

What is it with kids and fire trucks? If you’re the parent of a child between the ages of 3 and 8, you’re sure to have noticed this inexplicable love for these massive red trucks. Maybe it’s the colour and the size, or the alarm sounds.

Or maybe it’s because they love superheroes!

Yes, firefighters are the real-life superheroes of our community, and that’s why we even have a special day to celebrate them – International Firefighters’ Day!

What is International Firefighters’ Day?

International Firefighters’ Day is observed every year on 4th May. The story behind it is quite tragic, though.

On December 2 1998, the Geelong West Fire Brigade in Australia got a call to assist in fighting a wildfire. A truck set out from the fire station and was heading to refill the water tank. Unfortunately, the wind direction changed suddenly, ending up in the flames completely engulfing the fire truck and killing five firefighters. 

It was then decided to have a day in honour of the fallen heroes, which we now observe as International Firefighters’ Day. It’s a day when people across the world acknowledge the sacrifices made by firefighters everywhere, and also remember the contributions of those who have passed away.

Now that we know how important this day is, let’s join in by learning more about our firefighters – and making some cool firefighter crafts for kids!

15 Fantastic Firefighter Crafts for Kids

1. Paper Bag Fireman Puppet Craft

Becoming a firefighter isn’t a speedy process; you need at least 100 hours of training before you can be allowed to enter a burning building! Well, these guys certainly look well-trained and ready to go!

2. Firefighters and Fire Safety Show and Tell

One way to show your appreciation for firefighters is by wearing the IFFD ribbons. These are blue and red ribbons, representing water and fire, respectively. They would go perfectly well with this show-and-tell project on firefighters.

3. Firefighter Dalmatian Craft

Made to be a Momma brings us a cute craft featuring a dalmatian wearing a firefighter’s hat! Dalmatians are considered the mascot of firefighters because they have been around them since the era of horse-drawn fire engines. It seems that dalmatians got along well with horses, due to which is why they were the ideal companions!

4. DIY Fire Extinguishers Pretend Play Activity

The first known fire brigade was created by Roman emperor Augustus, and he called the firefighters ‘Vigiles’. The first known fire pump was invented by Ctesibius from Greece, and it utilized the principles of pneumatics. Well, we’ve got a much simpler contraption for firefighting pretend play, thanks to Brilliant Little Ideas!

5. Firefighter Matching Activity

By the time you’re done with these firefighter crafts for kids, you should know what a fire truck contains, and Mindy Makes has a fun printable that’ll help us! Most modern fire trucks have GPS, thermal imaging cameras, drones and complex communication systems.

6. Firefighter Paper Plate Craft

Many fire departments around the world have their own logos, which are emblazoned on their uniforms, sweatshirts, caps and badges. You can create one yourself, and decorate the hat of this little guy from Crafty Kids Play!

7. Firefighter Community Helpers Craft

Firefighting is considered one of the most trusted professions in the world, and it’s no wonder why! Messy Little Monster celebrates firefighters along with other community helpers in this craft project.

8. Printable Fireman Paper Dolls

What does the Catholic Church have to do with firefighting? Well, Saint Florian is the key! St. Florian was a commander in the Roman Army who was responsible for training firefighters and organizing firefighting brigades. Due to his contributions, he was later adopted as the patron saint of firefighters. Enjoy learning more about St. Florian as you make this craft from 10 Minutes of Quality Time!

9. DIY Cardboard Firefighter Helmet

As you make these firefighter crafts for kids, you can learn more about the various materials used in making a firefighter’s uniform. Take the helmet, for instance. They used to be made of leather, but are now made of advanced heat-resistant materials. For now, we’re happy to make do with a cardboard version from Zygote Brown Designs!

10. Firefighter Helmet Crown

Firefighters are emergency responders, which means they have to get moving as soon as they get a call. They have less than two minutes to get dressed in their heavy gear, which includes gloves, boots, helmet and even a breathing apparatus! But don’t worry, this helmet crown from Sweet Sensations Crafts is way simpler!

11. Cardboard Tube Fire Fighters

Making firefighter crafts for kids is a great opportunity to learn about the general brotherhood shared among firefighters. Firefighters practice a buddy system when they’re in the field, and strong bonds are an important foundation for that. They often cook and eat together, and we think these guys from Baker Ross probably do the same too!

12. Mixed Media Fireman Craft

A fireman can’t be far from his hose, but did you know that there are different kinds of hoses? A hose’s size determines how much water it can pump per minute. It should be fun to find out more about this as you make this craft from First Palette!

13. Free Printable Firefighter Craft for Kids

In the Playroom gives us a firefighter craft that features both male and female firefighters. The first recorded female firefighter is Molly Williams. In 1818, a blizzard caused many male firefighters to be incapacitated due to influenza, and Molly stepped up to save the day!

14. Preschool Fire Truck Craft Handprint Art

If you’re looking for firefighter crafts for kids under the age of 5, this handprint craft from The Inspiration Edit is perfect! Little kids will also be interested to learn about the ‘Sound Off’ – an event that occurs at noon on the first Sunday of May. During this event, the fire sirens are turned on for 30 seconds, and then a moment of silence is observed for all the firefighters killed in the line of duty.

15. Fire Truck With Opening Doors Printable

Would you like to see what’s inside a fire truck? That would certainly be exciting, wouldn’t it? Well, we hope you get a chance for it one day, and in the meantime, we’ll open the doors of the fire truck from 10 Minutes of Quality Time!

These firefighter crafts for kids are a great way for kids to learn more about this profession, while also appreciating the amount of work and risk that goes into it. Firefighters are incredibly brave, there’s no doubt about it, but they also work very hard! You can use this occasion to pay a visit to your local fire station, and talk to the firefighters there – perhaps give them some homemade cookies too!