A “friendly and happy” Queensland firefighter who died after battling a warehouse blaze has been remembered for her kindness.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services community is reeling after the death of Izabella Nash in hospital overnight.
”She was always the first person to step in and guide new firefighters whether it be on or off the job,” QFES Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing said this morning.
“Her mates are remembering her as a friendly, happy crew member,” Wassing said.
Nash’s partner is also a firefighter.
The service is working with her loved ones to help organise a funeral.
Wassing said her colleagues, friends and family are hurting and will miss her greatly.
”Our hearts break for them and we will continue to be there with them and for them in weeks and months ahead,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner to the Brisbane region John Cawcutt said Nash’s professionalism was outstanding and her death is devastating to her colleagues.
“She is one of those people who would walk into a station and people would be attracted to her both from her knowledge and generosity of spirit,” he said.
“She was a very good member of the firefighting team.”
Cawcutt said Nash was initially in the military before joining QFES and had a family history of uniform services after her father was a member of the police force.
“She was very strong and she was always the first person out to check over equipment,” he said.
He added Nash was the type of person who always had a “good smile about her” and could dish out jokes as well as she could take them.
Nash’s crew is “very broken up” after her death as she was a close colleague and friend.
An investigation will be carried out as to whether her breathing apparatus failed.
It’s believed she may have lost oxygen on site causing her to become unconscious.
Wassing dismissed these allegations saying there is no information at this stage that there were safety issues with the safety apparatus however all aspects of the operation will undergo a full assessment.
Nash had served as part of the QFES since 2014 as a first-class firefighter.
QFES minister Mark Ryan said today is a sad day for Queensland and the fire and rescue service.
”For us to honour Izzy is the least we can do for the sacrifice she made on behalf of all of us,” he said.
“Our state will always remember the service of Izzy.
“A true Queenslander, a hero and forever always ready.”
Ryan said the government will talk with friends, family and colleagues about how to honour Nash like lighting up landmarks.
He said “everything is on the table” to honour Nash.
The second firefighter, Lia Drew, remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Wassing said Drew has been moved from the critical care unit to the burns unit for treatment of serious injuries to her arms and hands.
”We are also supporting her and her family,” he said.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
Wassing said the fire service wants answers as to what happened in the fire and the operation for Nash, Drew, their families and colleagues.
