Twenty years ago on Saturday, the world was shocked and horrified as several planes were hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists in the United States.

One plane was crashed into the northern tower of the World Trade Centre in New York, before a second was flown into the southern tower about 15 minutes later. The impact cause both towers to collapse. Later that morning, a third plane was crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia.

While Ballarat is thousands of kilometres from where these attacks occurred, they continue to affect Australian residents.

On the anniversary of these devastating attacks, Ballarat firefighters paid tribute to the 2,977 victims by hosting a one minute silence at 9.03am - the time the second plane crashed into the second World Trade Centre tower.

Flags were flown at half-mast at all FRV fire stations across the state during the commemoration, including in Ballarat Central and at Lucas, as a mark of respect for the victims, their families, friends and all those who were impacted by the tragedy.

Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner, Ken Block, said Victorian firefighters stood in solidarity with their emergency service colleagues in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

As a firefighter in Canada at the time, he vividly recalls seeing "devastating" footage of his American colleagues running into collapsing buildings.

"Today we remember the 343 firefighters from New York City Fire Department (FDNY), whose lives were tragically lost in this devastating event 20 years ago," Commissioner Block said.

"These were brave people who went to work and never came home. We also recognise the 227 firefighters who have since succumbed to illnesses acquired through their rescue and recovery efforts.

"We acknowledge the ongoing trauma experienced by survivors of this attack, with thousands of people irrevocably impacted by these horrific events, which have left a scar not only on the American people but on humanity itself."

Commissioner Block said 9/11 changed the nature of firefighting across the world.

"From the way we advocate for safety in built environments, to training and crewing considerations, September 11 elevated public awareness of the role of firefighters and changed the way governments plan and respond to major emergencies," Commissioner Block said.

"Today, and every day, first responders stand prepared to face unknown dangers in the service of their communities with skill, compassion, and courage.

"We never know what challenges the next incident will bring, but we continue to answer each and every call."

Our team of local journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the Ballarat community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: