News / Staple Hill
Remembering firefighter Fleur Lombard
A memorial on Broad Street in Staple Hill honours Fleur Lombard, the first female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain.
Fleur was just 21 when she died due to intense heat while fighting a ferocious fire at the former Leo’s supermarket.
On Monday, staff from across Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) came together to mark the 23rd anniversary of her death in a short but poignant ceremony.
is needed now More than ever
Fleur Lombard died fighting a fire in Staple Hill in 1996
AF&RS chief fire officer Mick Crennell said: “Fleur’s loss is keenly felt across the Service to this day and it is something we will never forget.
“This tragic loss goes to show just how dangerous our profession is and that it can take the best of us. Fire does not distinguish, just like we don’t distinguish when we answer the call.
“Unfortunately, some pay the ultimate sacrifice but we will never forget her and will ensure that her memory lives on.”
Fleur was one of only eight women employed by Avon Fire Brigade when the fire broke out on Thursday, February 4 1996
Killed as a direct result of the intense heat in the fire that was later found to have been started deliberately, her body was found by other firefighters just yards from the exit of the supermarket, which is now a Tesco.
Watford-born Fleur graduated in 1994 with the Silver Axe award for the most outstanding recruit on her training school,
She was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal and Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation in recognition of her bravery.
Two of her colleagues who were with her that day were also awarded the George Medal and the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.
Avon FBU brigade secretary Gary Spindler said: “Fleur was a proud firefighter and someone who undoubtedly had a wonderful career ahead of her…
“Our thoughts are naturally with her family and friends at this time of the anniversary of her loss. I’d also like to pay respect to the efforts of those other members who attended this tragic incident and to this day live with the memories, they should know also that their efforts are remembered.”
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