Fatalities

The family of a Newcastle upon Tyne retired firefighter, who died from incurable asbestos cancer, has received compensation for his death. The 78 year old worked at Pilgrim Street fire station in the centre of Newcastle for over 25 years, from 1960 – 1986. His health began to deteriorate rapidly...

In 2006 Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge lost their lives tackling a fire at Marlie Farm. Despite a High Court ruling that compensation must be paid to the families East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have refused to pay. The FBU has launched a campaign for justice. The Incident Retained firefighter...

The Fire Brigades Union has welcomed the decision by Scotland’s Crown Office to proceed with criminal hearings into the death of firefighter Ewan Williamson but disappointed that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to fight the case. Ewan Williamson lost his life in a fire at the Balmoral...

The Fire Brigades Union deplores the horrific attacks on Gaza and calls for an immediate, negotiated and total ceasefire. The union sends our support, solidarity and sympathy to all those affected by the conflict, including the families of the victims. In particular, the FBU applauds the tremendous...

Reacting to the death of off-duty firefighter Alan Brown in Edinburgh today, Fire Brigades Union secretary for the east area of Scotland, Andy Fulton, said: “We are devastated about the news of Alan's death. “He was a great friend and colleague and he will be sorely missed by everyone in the fire...

On 3 December 2006, a fire at Marlie Farm in East Sussex killed two firefighters and injured at least nine others. The fire involved a complex of buildings at which a large volume of fireworks were being stored. The owners of the site were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter, and last year...

Firefighters have accused the Mayor of London of having “blood on his hands” after a Woolwich pensioner lost his life following a fire in his home less than two months after his local fire station closed. Maurice Cunliffe, 83, died in the early hours of Thursday 27 February, four days after being...

A Surrey firefighter died at Staines Fire Station on the evening of Saturday 15 February. Clifford Cox was a member of the Fire Brigades Union and had served in Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for 25 years. Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “I know that members will join me in sending...