SERVING and retired firefighters joined Staple Hill residents to honour the memory of Fleur Lombard, who died tackling a blaze at a Staple Hill supermarket.
Fire crews from Kingswood and Yate lined the pavement in front of the memorial to Fleur, outside Staple Hill library, for the remembrance ceremony on February 4, 29 years to the day after her death in 1996.
Fleur was just 21 when she was killed at the Co-op Leo’s store in Broad Street, which had been set alight by an arsonist.
She died as a result of the intense heat when she was caught in a flashover, where all the exposed flammable material suddenly ignited inside the building.
Each year a ceremony is held at 11am on the anniversary of her death at the memorial opposite the supermarket, which was rebuilt and is now occupied by Tesco.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service temporary assistant chief fire officer Paula Lyons read the citation for the Queen’s Gallantry Medal awarded to Fleur and the George Medal awarded to her colleague Robert Seaman, for their actions in going in to the burning building, where it was feared workers or shoppers might be trapped.
She said: “As a service it’s important we remember the ultimate sacrifice people made.”
Around 40 people listened as the Firefighter’s Prayer was read and stood for a minute’s silence in memory of the only female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton, who was one of the firefighters called to the blaze that claimed Fleur’s life, said: “The memories of that day are still very vivid in my mind.
“Firefighting is a dangerous job.
“The loss of Fleur Lombard remains deeply felt within Avon Fire & Rescue Service and within the community she served so selflessly.
“She still sits in our memories, all those who worked with her, 29 years on.
“Stations all around the service observe a minute’s silence.
“While we hope no one will ever face such a loss again, it is our duty to remember and to express our deep gratitude.”
Mr Shilton is due to retire at the end of March but will remain involved remembering Fleur, as a trustee of the charity set up in her name, which runs a bursary fund in her memory, to encourage firefighters to travel and learn about the work of other fire services in the UK and worldwide.
He said he hoped a suitable event could be held next year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Fleur’s death.
Fleur’s parents, who live in North Yorkshire, were represented by John Terry, who was the deputy chief fire officer and took charge of the operation on the day of the blaze.
Last year, Fleur’s family was among the first recipients of the new Elizabeth Emblem, commemorating public servants who have lost their lives in the line of duty, presented by the King.
Fleur joined Avon Fire Brigade in 1994 and won the Silver Axe award as the most outstanding trainee of her cohort.