Queensland Fire Department Faces Prosecution Over Death of Firefighter Izzy Nash
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) is being prosecuted by the Office of the Work Health and Safety (OWHS) Prosecutor over the tragic death of firefighter Izabella (Izzy) Nash during a factory fire in Slacks Creek in May 2023.
Nash, a First Class firefighter, died from injuries sustained in the blaze, while her colleague, Senior Firefighter Lia Drew, was seriously injured. The OWHS Prosecutor has now launched proceedings under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, which relates to breaches of duty that expose individuals to the risk of death or serious injury.
An email from Queensland Fire Commissioner Steven Smith, seen by the ABC, confirmed legal action is underway and emphasised that workforce safety remains a top priority. “Izzy’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Smith wrote, adding that a large body of reform is already in progress in response to the tragedy.
A QFD spokesperson confirmed the case is now before the courts but declined to comment further.
The Queensland Professional Firefighters Union (QPFU) also acknowledged the prosecution in an internal communication, noting that the full report from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) had yet to be released but is expected to be extensive. Union Secretary John Oliver described it as the result of a significant, two-year investigation.
Emergency service sources previously told, that the fatal incident revealed serious operational issues — including a lack of thermal imaging cameras, insufficient torch supply, inadequate training on breathing apparatus, and poor communication protocols.
Among the most critical concerns was the absence of a standard radio call to indicate a mayday situation, as well as limited access to the burning structure and extreme conditions inside. Firefighters also raised alarms about unclear procedures for ladder rescues.
The QFD has completed its own internal review of the incident and shared findings with staff.
