| The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's annual "Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters" tribute invites communities to bath structures in red light to honor fallen firefighters.
In remembrance of firefighters who have lost their lives while performing their duties, famous structures, fire stations, and residences around the country will start to turn red in the days preceding the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) organizes the annual "Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters" tribute, inviting communities across the U.S. to light up homes, businesses, firehouses and landmarks from April 26 to May 3 to honor fallen firefighters and support their families.
“Light the Night gives communities a simple way to take part in remembrance,” said Victor Stagnaro, NFFF CEO. “For the families who have lost a firefighter, these lights mean more than you’d know. When a firehouse, landmark, or front porch turns red, it says their loved one is not forgotten. That their sacrifice still matters. And that we’re all standing with them.”
The NFFF lowers its flags to half-staff about every three days to remember a firefighter who lost their life in the line of duty in the United States.
"Light the Night" will precede the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, scheduled for May 2-3, 2026, in Emmitsburg, MD.
A total of 204 firefighters who died while performing their duties—97 in 2025 and 107 in previous years—will be formally honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial during Memorial Weekend.
Families, firefighters and supporters from all across the nation attend public events, including a candlelight ceremony on Saturday night and the memorial service on Sunday morning.
People can take part in this national commemoration with "Light the Night," no matter where they live or work. In the week before Memorial Weekend, companies, towns, and fire agencies illuminate buildings or public areas. Individuals can put red light bulbs in their homes.
Since the tribute's inception in 2017, participation has grown from a modest commemorative endeavor to a well-known public celebration of the firefighter's sacrifices. Among those famous structures who have been bathed in red are:
One World Trade Center, New York City
Willis Tower, Chicago
Los Angeles International Airport
Skydance Bridge in Okahoma City
Nearly 60 well-known landmarks are expected to participate in "Light the Night" this year.
On the NFFF's Light the Night website, individuals, organizations, municipalities, and fire departments can get information and register to participate voluntarily.
Participants are invited to send images of their tributes to the NFFF: photos@firehero.org or use #NFFFLightTheNight2026 on social media. |
