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Dedicated and courageous: Tributes flow for hero firefighter lost in killer blaze

An experienced firefighter who died after she was injured responding to a large factory fire is being remembered for her courage and devotion to the job.

May 03, 2023, updated May 04, 2023
Tributes continue to flow for fallen firefighter Izabella Nash. (Photo supplied by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services).

Tributes continue to flow for fallen firefighter Izabella Nash. (Photo supplied by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services).

Izabella Nash died in hospital overnight after suffering critical injuries in the Slacks Creek fire south of Brisbane, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said.

A second firefighter, Lia Drew, also rescued in the blaze early on Tuesday morning, remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

“The thoughts of all QFES members are with Izzy’s and Lia’s families, friends and fellow crew members,” QFES said on Wednesday.

Ms Nash was an experienced firefighter with about a decade in the service, United Firefighters’ Union Queensland secretary John Oliver said.

“It’s a very sombre morning for firefighters across the state,” he told ABC radio Brisbane.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said on Wednesday 46 year-old Ms Nash, had died overnight after she was critically injured in the Slacks Creek fire.

“The thoughts of QFES are with Izzy’s family, friends and crew members,” the organisation said on Twitter.

A second firefighter was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with serious injuries on Tuesday after paramedics were called to the Slacks Creek blaze about 2.30am.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has led tributes, saying her thoughts and sympathies were with the dead woman’s family, friends and colleagues.

“I wish to extend my sincere condolences to all those who are grieving the loss of Izabella,” she said.

“She was clearly devoted to her job, on the front line supporting her fellow Queenslanders.

“Izabella’s passing is a terribly sad and poignant reminder of the dangers our front-line staff face on a daily basis.”

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the Fire and Rescue Service was devastated by the loss of their colleague.

“Our firefighters are a tight-knit group and Izabella’s loss will be deeply felt,” Ryan said.

“My heartfelt sympathies go to Izabella’s family, friends and colleagues.

“The motto of the Fire and Rescue Service is Semper Paratus, Always Ready, and Izabella clearly demonstrated her commitment to that ideal, doing everything she could to support her fellow Queenslanders.

“This is a terribly sad time.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said he was deeply saddened by news of the firefighter’s death.

“Our emergency services workers face extraordinary danger everyday to keep us safe and for that Queenslanders will always be eternally grateful,” he said.

“I know Queenslanders will join me today to send their thoughts and prayers to her family, friends and our State’s entire emergency services community.”

Safety teams wearing breathing apparatus were involved in the firefighters’ rescue, which took place during the hottest part of the battle against the blaze, QFES Deputy Commissioner Michael Wassing said.

“It is very rare that our firefighters are injured in this way and that’s because of the enormity of the training and the professionalism of our firefighters,” he said.

The Courier-Mail is reporting that Nash’s breathing apparatus had run out of oxygen, although this has not been confirmed by authorities.

The fire was contained just after 6am on Tuesday and police declared a crime scene as they worked to determine the cause of the blaze.

Officers checked the surrounding area for CCTV and business owners were interviewed by investigators.

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