Fatalities

Six years after firefighters Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge were killed at Marlie Farm, the relatives of the deceased and the injured firefighters are still fighting for compensation. Two firefighters were killed and a further nine firefighters were injured at an explosion at Marlie Farm on 3...

Paul Trew, Hampshire FBU brigade secretary said: “The Hampshire Fire Brigades Union is satisfied with the verdict arrived at. Though the inquest is now concluded, both families will continue to receive full support from the FBU. “It is hoped that the recommendations from this inquest are implemented...

Matt Wrack, FBU General Secretary said: “This has been a very difficult and painful process for the families, friends and colleagues of firefighters James Shears and Alan Bannon. Their loss is still very deeply felt by all those touched by their deaths. “These dedicated firefighters died in the line...

Today is the start of what could be a long legal process to establish the facts and get to the truth of the events of 6 April 2010. The Fire Brigades Union knows from the bitter experience of other firefighter deaths that this process can be very harrowing for all involved. Firefighters James Shears...

The Fire Brigades Union has hit out at police and prosecutors after the two remaining firefighters charged with gross negligence manslaughter were cleared by a jury at Stafford Crown Court. The union said it was absurd that the arsonists who started the fire have never faced trial, while those who...

Matt Wrack FBU general secretary said: “We note the verdict today and will continue to monitor these legal proceedings. We will have further comment to make at the conclusion of the trial. “As a watch manager, Paul Simmons is a frontline firefighter. “He is not and never has been a senior officer...

Some 45 firefighters were killed by the Japanese tsunami as they attempted to close jammed sea gates in Rikuzentakata. This BBC film explains what happened and what firefighters have been doing since.