Izzy Nash death: One year since tragic Slacks Creek fire but still no answers to what happened

Calls have been made about whether “difficult questions” need to be answered into the tragic death of firefighter Izzy Nash who lost her life in an out of control Slacks Creek fire last year.

Izabella ‘Izzy’ Nash was killed and her crewmate Lia Drew seriously injured after a fire broke out at a Slacks Creek factory about 2.30am on May 2 last year.

An investigation into the workplace death of beloved Queensland firefighter Izzy Nash is still ongoing almost a year since the fatal fire, sparking calls for difficult questions to be answered.

Izabella ‘Izzy’ Nash was killed and her crewmate Lia Drew seriously injured after a fire broke out at a Slacks Creek factory about 2.30am on May 2 last year.

But as the one year anniversary of Ms Nash’s death approaches, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) have confirmed that investigations remain ongoing.

Opposition spokesman for Fire and Emergency Services Dale Last said Izzy’s family deserved answers about what happened on May 2.

“At the time of the incident, a full investigation was promised, and it must be delivered in a timely fashion,” Mr Last said.

“If difficult questions need to be asked in order to ensure events like this are prevented wherever possible, then so be it.

“Our emergency services workers and volunteers, as well as their families, deserve assurances that their safety is a priority and that, where there are advancements that can increase their safety, they are promptly implemented.”

Izabella ‘Izzy’ Nash was killed after a fire broke out at a Slacks Creek factory last year

The 46-year-old’s lifeless body was pulled from the blaze after she was located inside the Pacific Highway Service Road factory by crew mates.

Ms Nash was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition but succumbed to her injuries later that night.

Ms Drew received burns and suffered smoke inhalation.

It took about 40 firefighters from 13 crews to bring the blaze under control by 6am.

A WHSQ spokeswoman said a report was still being prepared for the coroner.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s investigation into the tragic death of firefighter Izabella Nash is continuing,” she said.

“Investigations into workplace fatalities are complex and can take some time to complete.

“Each investigation is different, but they often involve interviews with witnesses, collection and examination of evidence, engagement of technical experts, and gathering documentation, information, and records from other parties.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland works to complete every investigation as quickly as possible, but it is not possible to provide a time frame for when this will occur.”

Investigations into the fatal fire remain ongoing. Picture: John Gass

United Firefighters Union Queensland secretary John Oliver said the investigation was “taking a while” because of the “significant process in ensuring every issue that arises is being considered”.

“It’s a sad day for Queensland professional firefighters when we lose one of our own,” Mr Oliver said.

“This year we will hold a minute silence on the anniversary of Izzy’s death to remember her and her sacrifice.

“We will also take the opportunity to recognise the effect it has had on the Nash family and friends.

“I also wish to praise the efforts of those crews that risked their lives to get Izzy and Lia Drew, who was also injured at that fire … what they did to get them out was nothing short of amazing.”

Mr Oliver previously told The Courier-Mail that Ms Nash and Ms Drew had become “trapped” and “ran out of air” on the second storey of the factory.

At the time of the fatal fire, Mr Oliver said the duration both firefighters spent in the building would be probed.