A female firefighter named Izabella Nash, 46, has died after becoming trapped in a factory fire in Slacks Creek, Brisbane.
Nash entered the fire with two colleagues at around 2:30 am on Tuesday.
Both of her colleagues were found and pulled from the flames, but Nash was feared missing in the flames.
She is understood to have fallen unconscious inside the burning building before being discovered and carried out by other firefighters.
Izabella Nash Cause Of Death
The incident is under investigation, and it is believed that Nash ran out of oxygen. A probe is also underway into the condition and operation of Nash’s breathing apparatus, while the cause of the fire is also being investigated.
Senior Firefighter Lia Drew, who entered the fire with Nash, remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition, suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
Both women were described as veteran firefighters with around 25 years of experience between them. The third male firefighter escaped without injury.
Tributes have been paid to Izabella Nash online, with former colleagues and friends remembering her as a dedicated and committed firefighter.
Nash joined the Fire and Rescue Service in 2014 and served as a First Class Firefighter. One commenter wrote, “RIP Izzy, your shift is over,” while another said, “Rest easy Izabella, thank you for your service.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Federal Treasurer and local MP Dr Jim Chalmers have paid tribute to Nash, calling her an “incredible young woman” and a hero. Palaszczuk said that Nash’s passing is a sad reminder of the dangers faced by emergency services personnel every day.
Aiva Arthur
