A Commemoration Service has been held at the James Braidwood statue on Parliament Square in Edinburgh to pay tribute to fallen Firefighter - Ewan Williamson who lost his life in 2009.
A minute’s silence was observed, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony involving members of Ewan's family alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Chief Officer - Ross Haggart.
event attendees
SFRS colleagues, representatives from the public sector, and charity organizations from across the city were also in attendance at the event held on Wednesday, 12 July 2023 to remember the tragic circumstances at the Balmoral Bar.
At 00:38 am, on 12 July 2009, Firefighter Williamson was a member of the first attending crews at a fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh.
devastating fire spread
Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels
As the devastating fire spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels.
This enabled other SFRS personnel to carry out multiple rescues of occupants from domestic flats on the three floors above, whose lives were endangered by the smoke and flames.
extinguishing the fire
Firefighter Williamson, 35, 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. Tragically, he became trapped during firefighting operations and lost his life in the line of duty.
A total of 16 people, including a baby, were rescued that night, an outcome that could have been very different had it not been for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues in responding to the incident.
protecting communities
CO Ross Haggart said, "My thoughts are with Firefighter Williamson’s family, friends, and loved ones during this very difficult time of the year."
Ross Haggart adds, "Ewan's ultimate sacrifice reminds us all of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to protect our communities. It's of the utmost importance that our fallen colleagues are recognized and remembered for their courage and dedication to their role.”
Family comments
Ewan’s family described him as having a wonderful spirit, a smile that would light up a football field
Ewan’s family described him as having a 'wonderful spirit, a smile that would light up a football field, and a witty sense of humor that we miss deeply'.
They said, “He was a kind and giving person, always willing to help anyone. He was a loving son and not only a brother but a best friend to his sisters, Rachel and Rebecca.”
ultimate sacrifice
Fire Brigades Union Regional Treasurer, Seona Hart, said, “Firefighter Ewan Williamson paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public. We remember Ewan 14 years on from that fateful day on the 12th of July, 2009, and send our love and heartfelt thoughts to Ewan’s mum Linda, sisters Rachel and Rebecca, Ewan’s colleagues, and all those who loved him."
Seona Hart adds, “Ewan will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts.”