A mural honouring firefighters Billy Faust and Adam Meere, who lost their lives responding to a fire in Bethnal Green, East London, 20 years ago has been unveiled.
Local artist David Speed was commissioned to paint a tribute on the side of Whitechapel fire station, where the two worked. On 20 July 2004, firefighters responded to a fire at a three-storey building. Billy and Adam were rescued by colleagues following an explosion in the basement, but died shortly after arriving in hospital.
Adam Meere, who was 27, had qualified as a firefighter three months earlier. Billy Faust, 36, had served at Whitechapel for seven years.
Firefighter Fred Hulburt, who helped carry the injured firefighters from the burning building, went on to lead a campaign to improve equipment, communications, and training. Firefighters lobbied parliament in 2008, leading to key improvements to safety procedures.
The unveiling was attended by the bereaved families, retired and serving staff, alongside the London fire commissioner, London Fire Brigade and FBU officials, including general secretary Matt Wrack.
A Red Plaque commemorating the firefighters’ sacrifice is in Bethnal Green museum gardens.
