Queensland Fire Department to plead guilty over safety breach in fatal 2023 factory fire

The Queensland Fire Department will plead guilty to a safety breach in relation a fatal factory fire that took the life of beloved firefighter Izabella Nash in May 2023.

The 46-year-old known as Izzy, and fellow senior firefighter Lia Drew were each seriously injured while battling a warehouse blaze at Slacks Creek south of Brisbane.

Emergency crews managed to revive Izzy Nash at the scene, but she died the following day in hospital, while Lia Drew was treated for serious burns to her hands and arms.

Soon after, Workplace Health and Safety (OWHS) launched an investigation into the fatal incident, looking into whether rescue efforts were delayed or hampered on the day.

According to attending crews, firefighters struggled to reach the women due to severe conditions, heat and a single access point, later using a ladder to enter the factory via a window.

The investigation probed issues including the lack of a standard mayday call in emergency situations, whether there were thermal imaging cameras available which might have assisted crews, and whether staff were adequately trained in ladder rescues and breathing apparatuses.

In 2025 the OWHS launched legal action against the Queensland Fire Department, stating it failed to comply with its health and safety duty by exposing an individual to a risk of death, serious injury or illness.

Today the department announced it would plead guilty to the breach, however reiterated it is not accused of causing Izzy Nash's death or Lia Drew's injuries.

"On 2 May 2023, the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) lost one of its own," it said in a statement.

"The prosecution relates to alleged failures associated with fireground radio communications. However to be clear, it is not alleged that such failures caused the death of Izzy or the injury to Lia."

Izzy Nash had been working as a firefighter for nearly a decade prior to her death, which QFD Commissioner Steve Smith described as a "profound tragedy".

"Her dedication, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten," he said in a statement.

"I want to reassure Queensland Fire and Rescue Firefighters and the Queensland community that the Queensland Fire Department has learnt from this tragic incident.

"Since the incident, the Queensland Fire Department has undertaken substantial work to strengthen structural firefighting safety."

He said the department had since implemented 33 related recommendations, purchased new state-of-the-art intervention equipment, and provided staff with updated self-rescue and rapid intervention training.

"Our firefighters have played an active role in uplifting our capability," the commissioner said.

"Their discipline and dedication to their profession makes firefighting, which is an inherently dangerous job, safer.

"My focus remains on supporting those affected by this incident, respecting the court process and doing everything reasonably practicable to keep firefighters and Queenslanders safe."

The Queensland Fire Department will be sentenced at a later date.