On 2 May 2023, the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) lost one of its own, First Class Firefighter Izabella “Izzy” Nash, in the line of duty at a fire in Slacks Creek. Senior Firefighter Lia Drew was seriously injured.

QFD has been working with the safety regulator and prosecutor since the incident and has today informed all relevant parties that QFD intends to plead guilty to the charge in the Work Health and Safety prosecution. The prosecution relates to alleged failures associated with fireground radio communications. However to be clear, it is not alleged that such failures caused the death of Izzy or the injury to Lia.

As the matter remains before the court, further detail cannot be provided at this time. No sentencing date has been confirmed. 

QFD Commissioner Steve Smith said: “Izzy’s death was a profound tragedy. Her dedication, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“I want to reassure Queensland Fire and Rescue Firefighters and the Queensland community that the Queensland Fire Department has learnt from this tragic incident,” Commissioner Smith said.

“Since the incident, the Queensland Fire Department has undertaken substantial work to strengthen structural firefighting safety. Working in collaboration with the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union and the Queensland Fire and Rescue - Senior Officers Union, and with a focus on continuous improvement, we have implemented all 33 actions of the Structural Firefighting Action Plan. We have delivered additional state-of-the-art rapid intervention equipment, and modern training in Firefighter self-rescue and rapid intervention operations.

“Our Firefighters have played an active role in uplifting our capability. Their discipline and dedication to their profession makes firefighting, which is an inherently dangerous job, safer.”

Commissioner Smith said: “We are not finished. We will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the challenges of modern firefighting. My focus remains on supporting those affected by this incident, respecting the court process and doing everything reasonably practicable to keep Firefighters and Queenslanders safe.”