Tributes have flowed in for firefighter Izabella Nash after she died fighting a factory fire in Slacks Creek on May 2.
Testimonials have revealed her to be hero on and off duty.
It is believed the 46-year-old ran out of oxygen while inside the fire-and-smoke-filled building.
She was found collapsed on the floor and was rescued by her colleagues before being taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
She died later that day at 9:15pm.
Her death marks the first fire-service death since 1994, and it has sent shockwaves throughout the country.
Ms Nash joined Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) in 2014 and served as a First Class Firefighter.
She came from a service family, with a father who was in the police force, and she was reportedly always attracted to serving the community.
She served at Royal Military College, Duntroon, before joining QFES.
QFES Acting Commissioner, Michael Wassing, looked close to tears as he announced Ms Nash’s death.
“Izzy, as she’s affectionately known within the service, was surrounded by family when she sadly passed away in hospital,” Mr Wassing said.
He said she was being remembered as friendly and happy, and an “all-round lovely person”.
“Izzy was always the first person to step in and guide new firefighters, whether it was on the job or off the job,” Mr Wassing said.
He said she was a partner, a daughter, a sister and an aunty.
“She’s a friend to me,” he said.
He said Ms Nash’s partner Bec, who is also a firefighter with QFES, was by her side in hospital.
QFES Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutte also praised Ms Nash’s “outstanding” character.
“She was one of those sorts of people that would walk into a station and people would be attracted to her, both from her knowledge and her generosity of spirit,” Mr Cawcutt said.
Chief Superintendent Robin Boniwell said he remembered her training to be a firefighter.
“In my 29 years of service I have never experienced a fellow firefighter from my own agency or service pay the ultimate sacrifice to protecting their communities – until now,” he said.
“I interviewed Izzy for her role as a permanent firefighter and was proud to see her graduate from the School of Fire and Emergency Services Training several years ago.
“My thoughts and prayers are with our Fire and Rescue friends, families and colleagues today and the immediate future.
“We are all feeling this sad loss.
“Rest in peace Izzy – you will be sadly missed.”
Hundreds of tributes flooded social media, with users praising her courage and bravery.
Those who knew her were thankful for her “caring soul”.
Those who didn’t were grateful for her service.
On May 3, the day after her death, flags were flown at half-mast in stations throughout the country.
Just two days after the factory fire was International Firefighters’ Day.
Crews across Logan were silent for 60 seconds, remembering the comrades who lost their lives serving.
The silence was broken by 30 seconds of sirens.
This year, the international day rang deeply and sadly close to home.
