The first female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain has been named on a new Intercity Express Train in Bristol.
One of only eight women among Avon's 700 firefighters at that time. On 4 February 1996, Fleur Lombard died aged only 21 years old, fighting a blaze which was started in Bristol by an arsonist at Leo's Supermarket.
Together with fellow firefighter Robert Seaman, Fleur entered the building to search for missing persons and to help contain the fire.
Shortly after entering conditions deteriorated and the firefighters were ordered to evacuate. At this point, Fleur was tragically caught in a flashover and was killed due to the intense heat.
In front of many family, friends and fire service colleagues the naming ceremony took place at Bristol Temple Meads on Tuesday 14 May.
From Derbyshire, Fleur moved to Bristol to begin training as a full-time firefighter, having served as a retained firefighter. On graduating in 1994 she received the Silver Axe Award for the most outstanding recruit in her training school and was posthumously awarded the Queens Gallantry Medal and the Chief Fire Officer's Commendation in recognition of her bravery.
What did the officials say?
Fleur was nominated as part of Great Western Railway's 100 Great Westerners by Kerry McCarthy MP. The Bristol East MP said:
“I am really pleased that GWR is paying this tribute to the bravery of Fleur Lombard, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty. Public service often goes unrecognised, and Fleur made the ultimate sacrifice, while doing her job. This will help ensure that her bravery is not forgotten.
“I hope the naming of this train will also act as an opportunity to reflect upon the commitment, dedication and courage of all our firefighters, who continue to risk their own lives to protect their local communities, as we saw most recently in response to the large fire in Speedwell.”
The firefighter's father Roger Lombard said:
“Fleur's family, friends and work colleagues thank GWR and the good people of the West Country for this initiative and their support in enabling this grand tribute to another brave firefighter.”
GWR Commercial Development Director Matthew Golton said:
“Fleur epitomises the spirit of the Great Western in so many ways: showing such passion and determination in seeking to become a firefighter, and to help others.
“It is an honour that we are here today to name a train in Fleur's memory, and alongside Kathryn Osmond, are able to mark our emergency services, not only here in Bristol but, as this train continues its own duties, across the Great Western network that we serve. “
Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service Rob Davis added:
“Fleur was passionate, enthusiastic and doing the job she loved, serving her community as a Firefighter and helping others at moments of great need and distress. She encompassed this role as a true professional.
“With the naming of this train, Bristolians and people from across the South West through to London will forever see Fleur's name and her memory will live on as a young, brave and courageous firefighter who is dearly missed within Avon FRS and beyond.
“The train will be a permanent reminder of this extraordinary woman who did an extraordinary job, paying the ultimate price in protecting the community of Bristol.”
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800023
Thank you Josh!
what iet was it number
Not sure if im honest. Perhaps one of our readers can help?
Bravo Great Western Railway as always. A fitting tribute to the young lady firefighter Fleur Lombard who died whilst on duty.
Much respect for her and for her family, firefighters and the people who knew her very well. Well done GWR.
Rest in peace Fleur Lombard. Very sad but very moving.
I think naming Class 800 and Class 802 IETs is a way to remember the people who helped our country and became heroes during the war and amongst other achievements they have conceded. But still GWR will continue to name more people onto these new IET trains. Sad that the Class 43 HSTs are long gone as they have served the Great Western region for over 4 decades.