Honouring Firefighters in Dorset & Wiltshire | International Firefighters’ Day & the Red Plaque Project

Every year on May 4th, the world pauses to honour those who run toward danger when everyone else runs away.

International Firefighters’ Day recognises the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and relentless service of firefighters worldwide. For the communities of Dorset and Wiltshire, it is also a time to remember the local heroes who gave everything to protect others.

Why we celebrate International Firefighters’ Day

Born from tragedy, International Firefighters’ Day was established in 1999 to honour five firefighters who died battling a devastating wildfire in Victoria, Australia. Since then, May 4th has become a global day of tribute, a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who risk their lives to keep us safe.

What is the Red Plaque Project?

One of the most meaningful ways to remember fallen firefighters in the UK is through the Red Plaque Project, an initiative fully funded by proceeds from the Firefighters 100 Lottery. These striking red plaques, inspired by the iconic English Heritage blue plaques, are placed near where a firefighter lost their life.

Each plaque represents:

• A moment in local history

• A place for community reflection

• A promise that we will never forget their bravery.

Since its launch in 2017, the Red Plaque Project has installed memorials across the UK, with heartfelt unveiling ceremonies attended by firefighters, families, friends, and community members.

You can read their story here: Red Plaque - about us

Remembering Dorset & Wiltshire Firefighters

A Red Plaque honours firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Christchurch firefighters: David Gregory and Graham White

On October 16, 1987, during the infamous ‘Great Storm’, a crew returning to Christchurch Fire Station was struck by tragedy. A falling tree crushed their fire engine, killing Sub Officer David Gregory and Firefighter Graham White. A Red Plaque unveiled on the 30th anniversary of their deaths now stands at the station, a permanent reminder of their service and sacrifice.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell described it as a “privilege” to unveil the plaque:

“We should never forget the lives and commitment of these two good men… The plaque ensures that future firefighters will always know what happened in 1987.”

Read more here: DW Fire - Christchurch firefighters

Firefighter Simon Kaye

In 2020, Firefighter Simon Kaye passed away during a shift at Christchurch Fire Station. Simon had served for over 30 years, earning deep respect from colleagues across Dorset & Wiltshire and previously in West Yorkshire. His sudden passing prompted an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes across the fire service, with flags flown at half-mast in his honour.

Chief Fire Officer Ansell paid tribute, saying:

“Simon was experienced, professional, and highly regarded. His passing is a huge loss to us all.”

Read more here: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue - Simon Kaye

Fire safety in property: How Ecosafe Group helps

At Ecosafe Group, we keep people safe, whether through fire door inspections, property fire compliance, or property maintenance in the UK. Our commitment to “Safer Homes, Brighter Futures” echoes the same values that firefighters live by daily: protection, service, and community.

We are proud to work alongside fire safety professionals and local authorities to ensure every property we work on meets the highest safety standards. We are especially pleased to have people like Andy, our Fire Safety Operations Manager, and our team of fire stoppers, who are passionate about fire safety in Dorset and surrounding areas, driven by care, and consistently demonstrate what it means to protect lives and properties.

From firefighter to fire safety specialist: Meet Andy

At Ecosafe Group, fire safety is a personal mission and a proud service we offer. No one embodies that more than Andy, our Fire Safety Operations Manager, who brings over five years of frontline firefighting experience to the role.

Before joining Ecosafe, Andy served as a firefighter, responding to emergencies across the region and witnessing firsthand the importance of prevention, quick action, and resilient buildings. His deep understanding of fire behaviour and building safety now informs every inspection, report, and recommendation he delivers.

Today, Andy leads our fire safety operations with exactitude and care, conducting fire door inspections, compliance audits, and preventative maintenance for homes, social housing providers, letting agents, and commercial clients.

Andy says:

“I’ve seen what happens when safety gets neglected. My role is helping people prevent this, ensuring buildings are up to standard, regulated escape routes, and lives protected.”

With Andy on our fire safety team, clients can be confident they are in professional hands, guided by someone who has protected lives on the front line and now prepares buildings for fire incidents.

How to support UK firefighters

The Firefighters 100 Lottery is a powerful way for the public to support firefighters and their families. Funds raised help:

• Install Red Plaques across the UK

• Support bereaved families of fallen firefighters

• Honour and preserve the memory of those lost in the line of duty

Play the lottery. Make a difference. Visit: www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk

Protecting yourself and others starts at home: 3 fire safety checks you can do today

Supporting firefighters also means doing our part in prevention. Here are three simple ways to protect your property:

• Check your fire doors: Make sure they close fully, have intumescent seals, and are not wedged open.

• Test smoke alarms monthly: A working smoke alarm doubles your chances of surviving a fire.

• Keep escape routes clear: Clutter in hallways and stairs can cost valuable seconds in an emergency.

At Ecosafe, our team offers complete fire door inspections, fire safety maintenance, compliance surveys, and reactive repairs to help landlords, letting agents, and homeowners stay protected.

You can see our Fire Prevention Services here: https://www.ecosafegroup.co.uk/fire-services-homepage

Why it matters

Firefighters protect our homes, rescue our loved ones, and confront the unimaginable, often at significant personal risk. Projects like the Red Plaque Project honour their sacrifice and connect communities with the stories of those who gave their all.

As we commemorate International Firefighters’ Day this May, let us all take a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks - for the everyday heroes of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and all firefighters across the UK.

They died as they lived, serving others. We will never forget them.