URUGUAY 2023 (Fireman, Air Force, Truck, Crane, Bronto Skylift, Refinery, Protection Suit) – Cover with Special Postmark
Country: Uruguay
Year: 2023
Theme: Fireman, Air Force, Truck, Crane, Bronto Skylift, Refinery, Protection Suit
This unique cover featuring a special postmark commemorates the heroic rescue that took place 30 years ago at the "Palacio de la Luz", a historical event that unfolded within the headquarters of UTE, Uruguay's government-owned electric power company. This incident was marked by a devastating fire that engulfed the eighth, ninth, and part of the tenth floor of the "Palacio de la Luz", a catastrophe previously unheard of in Uruguay's history.
Due to the intensity of the fire, an extraordinary helicopter rescue mission was carried out, involving the Uruguayan Air Force, which played a vital role in saving lives. Thanks to their efforts, five individuals who were trapped in the burning building were successfully rescued. However, the blaze claimed the lives of five others due to asphyxiation, underscoring the dangerous nature of the event.
The special postmark selected for this cover proudly features the coat of arms of the Uruguayan Air Force, serving as a symbol of their remarkable contribution to this life-saving mission.
Additionally, the cover includes a set of four stamps, originally issued in 2012, which commemorates the 125th anniversary of the National Fire Department. Each stamp within this series portrays a distinct scenario where the fire department plays a crucial role. These scenarios include "Structure fire", "Structure rescue", "Forest fire", and "Refinery fire". In each stamp, the protective suit appropriate for that specific situation is prominently featured.
Notably, the "Structure rescue" stamp depicts a Mercedes Benz 4140 Actros truck equipped with a Bronto Skylift F68 HLA crane, an essential tool used in fire and rescue operations, adding depth and authenticity to the stamp series. This cover serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and dedication exhibited by those who put their lives on the line to protect their communities in times of crisis.
