Charges laid after death of firefighter Izabella Nash in Slacks Creek warehouse blaze

The Queensland Fire Department has been charged almost two years after the death of a beloved firefighter who was killed while trying to extinguish a massive warehouse blaze.

Beloved Queensland Fire and Rescue firefighter Izabella Nash.

Charges have been laid following the death of a beloved Queensland firefighter who was killed while trying to extinguish a massive warehouse blaze.

Izabella “Izzy” Nash, 46, died in May, 2023 after becoming trapped in a Slacks Creek warehouse fire and running out of air.

Almost two years later, the Queensland Fire Department has been charged with failing to comply with health and safety duty after her death, and the serious injury of her colleague, Lia Drew.

A spokesman from QFD confirmed the legal action, saying Izzy’s death was tragic.

“Proceedings have been commenced against the Queensland Fire Department in relation to the events surrounding the Slacks Creek fire and the tragic loss of Izabella ‘Izzy’ Nash and serious injury to Lia Drew,” a spokesman said.

“QFD prioritises the safety of its personnel with extensive training and a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

“Given the matter is now before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The scene of a fire at a warehouse in Slacks Creek. Picture: John Gass

Ms Nash – an experienced firefighter – initially went inside the warehouse with her colleague when they became trapped in the blaze and ran out of air.

Both were pulled from the building by colleagues, but Ms Nash died in hospital later that night.

Sources told The Courier-Mail that possible communication failures formed a huge part of the investigation, including whether digital packages had become corrupted by background noise.

Workplace Health and Safety quickly commenced an investigation into Ms Nash’s death, which lasted almost two years.

Earlier this month, the investigation concluded and a brief of evidence was handed over to WHS prosecutors for review.

The scene of a fire at the Slacks Creek warehouse. Picture: John Gass

Queensland Fire Department also conducted its own review and last year established an Operational Advisory Group to look at equipment and processes.

Ms Nash was a highly respected firefighter who joined the service in 2014, serving as a First Class Firefighter.

She had a passion for teaching junior firefighters about the complexities of their equipment and what to do in an incident.

The matter will be mentioned at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on July 11.

The Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor declined to comment further.