Queensland Fire Department taken to court over death of firefighter Izzy NashEBy Eden GillespieTopic:Fires47m ago47 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 7:30amFire Commissioner Steve Smith confirmed proceedings will be launched. (ABC News: Sarah Richards)abc.net.au/news/queensland-fire-department-legal-action-slacks-creek-fire/105235842Link copiedShareShare articleThe Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor is taking the Queensland Fire Department to court over the events surrounding the death of firefighter Izzy Nash.First Class firefighter Izabella Nash died from injuries in a factory fire at Slacks Creek, south of Brisbane, in May 2023. Her colleague, senior firefighter Lia Drew, was seriously injured in the blaze.Izabella Nash died from injuries sustained while on scene at a fire. (Supplied: QFES)The ABC has exclusively seen an email sent from the Queensland Fire Commissioner to department staff confirming court proceedings will be launched against the department over the incident."I want to assure you the safety of the QFD workforce is always a priority and I remain committed to ensuring a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence," Commissioner Steven Smith said."There is a large body of work underway within Queensland Fire and Rescue focused on that goal and informed by insights following this tragic event. Izzy's service and sacrifice will not be forgotten."A QFD spokesperson confirmed to the ABC that proceedings had been launched."Given the matter is now before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further," the spokesperson said.A memorial for Ms Nash was held in May 2023. (Supplied: QFES)Prosecutor confirms caseA spokesperson for the OWHS prosecutor told the ABC it has commenced a case contrary to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, which involves a person failing to comply with their health and safety duty, which can expose an individual to a risk of death or serious injury or illness.A spokesperson from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland told the ABC last week the office had finally wrapped up its probe into the fatal incident and the brief of evidence was referred to the Office of Workplace Health and Safety Prosecutor.The ABC has also sighted an email from the Queensland Professional Firefighters Union regarding the prosecution.Secretary of the QPFU John Oliver told members the WHSQ report "has not been released, so we have not been able to review it at this time.""We understand this is the product of significant investigation over the last two years and is likely to be substantial."The QFD also launched its own internal investigation into the incident and shared the report with departmental staff. (Supplied: QAS)The QFD also launched its own internal investigation into the incident and shared the report with departmental staff.Emergency service sources told the ABC last year there was a lack of thermal imaging cameras on the day, as well as issues with training and torches.Communication was another major concern, with officers revealing there was no standard radio call for mayday situations to tell everyone to stop transmitting and listen in emergencies.They also claimed firefighters' search efforts for the women were hampered by a single access point and hostile conditions, including intense heat and smoke.Fire officers said there was limited training on breathing apparatus and a lack of clear procedures surrounding ladder rescues.Posted 47m ago47 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 7:30am, updated 13m ago13 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:05amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesNationals senator 'can't comment' on whether One Nation is IslamophobicLIVEIs the Voice back? 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