Our story
Purpose
The Red Plaque Project aims to recognise as many fallen firefighters as possible for their selfless work to protect others. Fully funded by proceeds from the weekly Firefighters 100 Lottery, the Project has been able to create several Plaques each year since it began. Over time – as supporters of the Lottery continue to enable the Project – more Red Plaques can be placed at the heart of communities affected by firefighter fatalities.
History
Each Red Plaque commemorates a moment in local history and offers a place of reflection. Found near the scene of the incident where a firefighter lost their life, the Red Plaques take inspiration from English Heritage’s Blue Plaque Project, which marks the homes of influential historic and cultural figures.
Ceremony
Since 2017, the Red Plaque Project has created memorials for firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Red Plaques can be found across the UK, near the locations where firefighters died while protecting their communities. Each Plaque is unveiled at a ceremony attended by serving firefighters, FBU representatives, community members, fire chiefs, and the family, friends and former colleagues of fallen firefighters. This Project is funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery, a charitable initiative run by the Fire Brigades Union.
Family
The Red Plaques play an important role for the loved ones of the firefighters they remember as well as sharing their stories with the community. Billy Faust was one of two firefighters remembered by the first Red Plaque to be unveiled in November 2017. His father Dave Faust said: “it means a lot to the families of firefighters who have died in the line of duty that their sacrifices are not forgotten”.
THE FBU
The Red Plaque Project and Firefighters 100 Lottery are administered by the Fire Brigades Union, the professional voice of firefighters in the UK.
As stewards of the Project, a team of union members and leaders that volunteer their time to manage the Red Plaque programme, working with local communities, authorities and fire services to commission, install and maintain all Red Plaques.