FIREFIGHTER Izabella Nash, 46, has died after fighting a factory blaze at Slacks Creek.
Police reports said she died in hospital about 9.15pm 2 May.
She was found collapsed at the factory on Pacific Highway Service Road, and was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Ms Nash joined the Fire and Rescue Service in 2014 and served as a First Class Firefighter.
Another female firefighter, Lia Drew, was also hospitalised in a serious but stable condition.
She has since been transferred to the burns unit, with burns too her arms and hands.
QFES deputy commissioner Mike Wassing said the injuries were likely a result of the “serious fire and smoke intensity” in the building.
He said the breathing apparatus safety team were responsible for the rescue of the two firefighters.
According to Mr Wassing, both firefighters were wearing the required protective clothing and their breathing apparatuses were fully functional.
“We have had no information that points to any safety issues associated with the breathing apparatus,” he said.
“Our firefighters check those sorts of matters regularly.”
Investigations into their injuries by QFES and Queensland police are ongoing.
“I can assure you that we want the answers too,” Mr Wassing said.
“For Izzy, for Lia, for their families and for their colleagues.”
Multiple fire crews were battling the fire which was reported around 2.30am Tuesday morning and were expected to be required well into the day.
A police report issued soon after 7.20am said a crime scene had been declared.
There were believed to be a total of 20 fire trucks there to tame the fire.
Mr Wassing said around 40 firefighters were involved at the peak of the inferno.
Although the cause of the fire is unknown, police said investigations will continue for the foreseeable future.
Mr Wassing said it was understood that owners were using a generator to supply power to the factory following a power interruption days earlier.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the Fire and Rescue Service was devastated by the loss of Ms Nash.
“Our firefighters are a tightknit group and Izabella’s loss will be deeply felt,” Mr 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.”
Mr Wassing said QFES is in the process of organising a funeral for Ms Nash with her family.
Main picture: Izabella Nash
