Service held to mark 15 years since firefighter died in line of duty in fire at Balmoral Bar in Edinburgh

A commemoration service to remember the firefighter Ewan Williamson has been held in Edinburgh.

Ewan lost his life in the line of duty on July 12, 2009 when he was one of the first attending crews at a fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh.

As the fire spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels allowing other officers to carry out rescues of the residential areas.

A total of 16 people, including a baby, were recused that night as a result of Ewan’s bravery.

The 35-year-old, who was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station, entered the building wearing breathing apparatus as part of the efforts to extinguish the fire.

However, he became trapped during firefighting operations and tragically lost his life.

The ceremony took place in Edinburgh on Friday.

The service in his memory was held at the James Braidwood statue on Parliament Square on Friday.

It was attended by Firefighter Williamson’s family and colleagues as well as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief officer Ross Haggart, deputy Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron and representatives from the Fire Brigades Union.

During the service, a minute’s silence was observed followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

CO Haggart said: “As we mark 15 years since he lost his life in the line of duty, Ewan Williamson and his loved ones will be in the thoughts of firefighters everywhere.

“Ewan’s ultimate sacrifice reminds us of all of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to protect our communities.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service honours Ewan’s dedication and bravery. We commemorate his life and work with pride, and we will ensure he is remembered always.”

Ewan’s family described him as having “an infectious smile and a huge heart that we have missed every day since his tragic passing”.

During the service, a minute’s silence was observed.

They told those who gathered at the service that their thoughts are with the families of every firefighter who watch their loved ones routinely put themselves in harm’s way.

Fire Brigades Union regional chair, Gus Sproul, said: “Firefighter Ewan Williamson paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public. Fifteen years on from this tragic fire, the FBU and our members continue to reflect on his loss. Ewan will never be forgotten, his family, colleagues and friends are in our thoughts today.”

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: “Today on the 15-year anniversary of the Balmoral Bar fire at which Firefighter Ewan Williamson tragically lost his life, we honour Ewan’s memory, his service and his sacrifice.

“On that fateful day, and on every day since; as is the case today, and shall be tomorrow, those working in our emergency services face danger and risk with bravery and courage in their duty to keep each of us, and our communities, safe.

“This is public service of the most noble and selfless kind.

“The debt we owe, and our duty to each of them is to do all we can to ensure everyone facing danger and risk on the frontline are kept as safe and secure as possible in their line of duty.”