04/02/2026
Today we remember Firefighter Fleur Lombard QGM, 21, from Speedwell Fire Station, Avon Fire Brigade, who tragically died 30 Years ago in the line of duty fighting a fire at Leo's supermarket, in Staple Hill, Bristol.
Fleur started her fire service career at Whaley Bridge Fire Station, before moving to Avon.
At 12:46 hours on the 4th February 1996, Avon Fire Brigade (now Avon Fire and Rescue Service) received a 999 call reporting a fire at Leo’s Supermarket, Staple Hill, Bristol.
Two fire appliances were mobilised to the incident, on arrival smoke was issuing from the supermarket, the officer in charge immediately sent an assistance message to fire control requesting a further two fire appliances, “Make Pumps 4”.
Due to reports of people possibly being trapped inside the building, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were committed to carry out a search of the building.
Fleur and her breathing apparatus team partner Firefighter Robert Seaman were amongst the firefighters committed to search the building.
As conditions began to deteriorate inside the building Fleur and firefighter Seaman began to withdraw, as they did there was a sudden and rapid escalation of the fire (Flashover), Firefighter Seaman despite being disoriented by the intense heat and smoke managed to make his way out of the building. On exiting he realised Fleur was no longer with him, despite the intense fire conditions, together with another firefighter he made his way back into the building to search for her.
Fleur was located a short distance from an exit point, and was rescued by her colleagues, she was transported to hospital, where tragically she was declared dead a short time later.
Further assistance messages were received by fire control at 13:11 “Make pumps 6 and hydraulic platform required “ and at 13:43 a “Make pumps 10 message”.
The fire was finally brought under control at approximately 16:43 hours later that day.
Following investigations it was established that Fleur succumb to injuries she sustained as a direct result of being exposed to intense heat, she was the first female firefighter to die in peacetime service in Britain.
Following a joint fire and police investigation it was established that the fire had been started deliberately by a 21 year old Male security guard, on his first day at work at the supermarket.
Following a trial at Exeter crown court the Male was found guilty and jailed for seven and a half years for manslaughter and arson.
Fleur was accorded a full brigade funeral at Derby Cathedral, her coffin was carried aboard a turntable ladder, draped in a Union Jack and topped with her helmet, her colleagues rode the turntable ladder providing a guard of honour.
Fleur was later posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal.
Firefighter Robert Seaman who heroically went back into the blazing building to search for Fleur was awarded the George Medal.
Firefighter Pat Foley, who also went into the blazing supermarket to help, was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.
On 15 May 2019, Great Western Railway named a Class 800 intercity express train No. 800 023, “Firefighter Fleur Lombard QGM” in honour of her.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Fleur’s family, friends and colleagues on this day as always.
Firefighter Fleur Lombard QGM, Speedwell Fire Station, Avon Fire Brigade, Gone but will never be forgotten.
