TWO Hereford firefighters who died in a huge factory fire 30 years ago are to be remembered next week. 

At its height, 130 firefighters using 23 pumping appliances were at the scene of the fire at Sun Valley. Among them were David Morris and John Davies who never made it out of the factory.

Mr Davies, who was 34, was a retained firefighter from Leominster but, as he worked in Hereford, would often attend emergencies in the city.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old Mr Morris was a full-time firefighter with 11 years’ service when he responded to the fire which started in a unit for defrosting meat.

OTHER NEWS:

Insulation panels in the factory ceiling meant smoke and flames travelled unnoticed through the roof space, setting fire to ceilings which collapsed.

Next Wednesday (September 6), at 11.44am - exactly 30 years on from the time of the call about the fire, Hereford Fire Station crews will be holding a parade at the St Owen Street fire station.

Then, at the Lady Arbour Gardens at Hereford Cathedral at 3pm, dignitaries including the mayors of Leominster and Hereford, the chairman and vice-chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority and the Chief Fire Officer will attend a memorial parade when a wreath will be placed at the memorial plaque.

Close family members of Mr Morris and Mr Davies will also attend, as will members of the crews who attended the incident back in 1993.