Stephen Hunt

Stephen Hunt

Stephen Hunt was killed in the line of duty on the 13th July 2013. His Red Plaque was unveiled on the 14th October 2021.

Stephen was a team leader that was among the 60 firefighters who attended the fire at Paul’s Hair World in Oldham Street, Manchester on the 13th July 2013. The fire had been raging for five hours when Stephen and his partner, Jeremy Jones, took over from another crew and entered the building with their breathing apparatus but were met with virtually no visibility. Stephen was found collapsed and tragically pronounced dead later that evening.

Stephen was a former soldier that served in the British Army, as part of the Royal Signals. He was popular and brave, a father of two and died at the age of 38.

The inquest into Stephen’s death showed a catalogue of errors and failures. It found that procedural failures, poor decision making and poor communication on the day led to Stephen’s death.

Today, Stephen is fondly remembered by his family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the FBU. His Red Plaque unveiling ceremony was attended by Matt Wrack, FBU General Secretary, and local firefighters.

Below are memories added by those who knew Stephen Hunt or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Stephen Hunt that you wish to add, please include your memory below.

Please help support our Firefighters with the Firefighters 100 Lottery, a weekly online lottery created to support firefighters, their bereaved families and to honour the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters killed in the line of duty. With your help we can have schemes such as the Red Plaque Project for memorials to those lives lost.

Learn about the history of the Red Plaque Project and discover other Firefighters that have also received Red Plaques.

Photo credits: Mark Rowe and Fire Brigade Union