Two Dundee firefighters killed in the line of duty in the 60s honoured with red plaques
William Carnegie and John Buist died on two separate missions in 1962
Last updated 13th Apr 2023
Two fire fighters of the Angus Area Fire Brigade killed in the line of duty 61 years ago have been commemorated as two plaques have been unveiled at Blackness Road Fire Station in Dundee.
The Red Plaques are part of a scheme set up by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) during its centenary in 2018 to commemorate firefighters who died in the line of duty.  
The first firefighter commemorated is John Jamieson Buist. The 53-year-old was killed in a fire at Grants Jute Warehouse, Dundee on the 13th April 1962 after being trapped by burning bales of jute. His colleges attempted to rescue him for over two hours.
The former firefighter who served for 30 years lived with his wife, a former firewoman and young son at the Northern Fire Station.
The second firefighter commemorated is William Carnegie, who was fatally injured less than three months later while attending a fire on Mains Road, Dundee, on 14th June 1962.
He sustained severe head injuries after falling 30 ft from the roof of a two-storey tenement at 58 Mains Road. He was taken to hospital and died of his injuries on July 8th, at 44 years of age and was survived by his wife and their 17-year-old son.
The ceremony included speeches from FBU senior officials and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service senior officers, Ron Buist, son of John Buist with an FBU piper and Lord Provost, Bill Campbell, on behalf of Dundee City Council.
John Buist's son Ron Buist said: "It's nice to see courageous men acknowledged in what they've done and it will be a great source of pride for me that there are plaques here in the town that he made his home and also that he is remembered on the national memorial just outside St Paul's Cathedral."
He added: "It's a means of recognising the sacrifice that my father made 60 years ago when he was really just doing his job, and also the sacrifice that Bill (William) Carnegie made."
FBU Regional Treasurer, Seona Hart, said:   "John Buist and William Carnegie lost their lives while serving and protecting the people of Dundee. The Red Plaques we have unveiled today will ensure the memory of their sacrifice lives on.
"Both firefighters died while attending fires in the local area, and both left behind loving families and a bereaved community.
"As firefighters we will never forget those who have died in the line of duty, and with these plaques they now have their place in public memory as part of the history of the city."
Tam McFarlane, FBU National Officer said: "Every Red Plaque represents a firefighter who lost their life in the line of duty. There are now over 80 of these memorials representing almost 200 fallen firefighters across the UK, reminding us of our shared history.
"Each unveiling ceremony is a moving tribute to firefighters who sacrificed their lives, as well as to their families and colleagues.
"Today we have come together as a community to remember the enormous bravery and sacrifice of John Buist and William Carnegie. We will ensure they are never forgotten."