TWO firefighters who lost their lives in the Sun Valley fire in Hereford back in September 1993 have been honoured with a plaque at a Herefordshire country park.

Family members, and former colleagues who were there on the day that John Davies and David Morris made the ultimate sacrifice, attended the unveiling of the plaque at Queenswood Country Park, near Leominster.

Crews from Hereford and Leominster fire stations were also there, along with national Fire Brigades Union officials and senior Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service officers.

Hereford Times: Retired firefighters Shane Jones (left) and Nigel Jones, who both helped fight the fire at Sun Valley in September 1993, with Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce Retired firefighters Shane Jones (left) and Nigel Jones, who both helped fight the fire at Sun Valley in September 1993, with Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce

Chief fire officer Jon Pryce, who was a young firefighter at the time of the incident which sparked family discussions about the challenging nature of the career with his family, said: "David and John made the ultimate sacrifice while performing the duties that firefighters have to carry out every day. I cannot imagine what impact losing their loved ones has on those left behind."

The day’s proceedings had begun with Watch Commander Ady Morris, one of the event organisers, introducing national Fire Brigades Union official Tam McFarlane, who was on duty as a serving fighter in Taunton when the news of the tragic loss of the two Herefordshire colleagues came through.

Mr McFarlane said the idea for the red plaques, funded by the FBU, was inspired by the Blue Plaque Scheme and aims to remember those who died while serving their community.

Hereford Times: Two firefighters died in the fire at the Sun Valley factory in Hereford Two firefighters died in the fire at the Sun Valley factory in Hereford

Retired firefighter Shane Jones, who served with John Davies and David Morris at the blaze, said he remembered how crews from Ewyas Harold and Eardisley, battled bravely at Sun Valley, now Avara Foods, but in vain to save the duo’s lives.

He said: “It was a very long day but I went home at the end of it. Two of my friends and colleagues didn’t.”