"The Ones Who Find Lives", a photo taken by Hoàng Ngọc Minh, received a consolation prize.

HÀ NỘI — The blackened faces of firefighters due to smoke and dust and their smiles that shine through once a fire is under control are the subject of a photo exhibition that kicked off in Hà Nội on Friday.

Co-organised by the Người Hà Nội (Hanoians) newspaper and the Department of Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police, it is the first exhibition reflecting the hard and dangerous work firefighters undertake in Việt Nam.

The exhibition marks National Fire Prevention Day and the 58th anniversary of the establishment of the Việt Nam Firefighting Force (October 4, 1961).

With the theme For the Peaceful Life, the exhibition is displaying 56 photos depicting firefighters at work, in training and during their free time.  

The exhibition was a result of a photo contest launched in June. The organisers received 1,600 entries from 169 photographers nationwide, according to Đào Xuân Hưng, editor-in-chief of newspaper.

Among them, 16 photos had won awards. There was no first prize because none of the photos met the criteria.
“The photos send a humane message of protecting a peaceful life and people’s safety,” Hưng said.

“The display captures special moments in the firefighters' lives, showing their sacrifice and braveness. Some photos reflect fierce battles while others show emotional moments when firefighters save lives.”

“It’s a special exhibition because it helps raise people’s awareness of preventing fires and the work firefighters do. The exhibition honours their firefighting and rescue efforts.”

"The Delight", taken by photographer Phạm Huy Đằng received second prize at the contest.

The exhibition will run until Sunday at the Exhibition House, 93 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, Hà Nội. VNS