Red plaques website for heroic fallen firefighters
‘Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep others safe from danger – sadly, we have lost colleagues along the way and their bravery deserves to be remembered and honoured’
Friday, 7th May 2021 — By Richard Osley
A NEW website has been launched telling the stories of brave firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
The Fire Brigades Union unveiled the site on Tuesday – the national Firefighters Memorial Day.
It details where to find the “red plaques” which are erected to mark the deaths of firefighters at work.
One of the memorials can be found at Smithfield market where Richard Stocking and Jack Fourt-Wells died while fighting a blaze in an underground section of the site in 1958. Both were based at Clerkenwell fire station.
Matt Wrack, the union’s general secretary, said: “Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep others safe from danger. Sadly, we have lost colleagues along the way and their bravery deserves to be remembered and honoured.
“Tragically, over the past year we have lost two to this awful disease [Covid-19]. We remember them and hold their family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts.
“All too often, these tragedies could and should have been prevented and lessons must be learnt to ensure that no more names are added to the firefighters’ memorial.”
The deaths of Mr Stocking and Mr Fourt-Wells had highlighted the fact firefighters were at that time using outdated firefighting equipment, uniforms and procedures.
The disaster was seen as key to the union’s battle to improve safety for those on the ground.
The red plaques website can be seen at https://redplaque.org.uk/
