Widow of Fallen Firefighter Condemns 'Unacceptable' Investigation Delays
The widow of a firefighter who lost his life battling the 2023 Jenners department store blaze has launched a powerful condemnation of what she describes as "unacceptable" delays in the investigation into his death. Shelley Martin has spoken publicly about the devastating impact on her family, including her twin sons, as they approach the third anniversary of the tragedy without answers.
Family's Ongoing Anguish
Shelley Martin revealed that her husband Barry's death has "devastated" their family, forcing their twin boys to "grow up much faster than they should have." The firefighter, who was 38 years old at the time of his death, succumbed to critical injuries on January 27, 2023, after being caught in a major fire at the historic Edinburgh department store earlier that week.
"Barry was a devoted family man who was proud of the job he did," Mrs. Martin stated during a press conference in Glasgow. "It is unacceptable and abhorrent that we still don't have answers over three years later."
Allegations of Institutional Failure
Joined by her lawyer Aamer Anwar, Mrs. Martin made serious allegations about the circumstances surrounding her husband's death and the subsequent handling of the investigation. Mr. Anwar claimed that Firefighter Martin was sent into the burning building in central Edinburgh "unprepared and unequipped" and was the least experienced member of his four-person breathing apparatus team.
Mrs. Martin expressed anger at what she perceives as attempts by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to "bury and cover this up," describing such behaviour as "typical, institutionalised" and stating that the service has moved into "risk management in trying to handle me."
Callous Language and Crown Office Delays
The grieving widow highlighted what she considers insensitive treatment from authorities, noting that the fire service now refers to Barry as her "late husband" rather than using his name. She described this as "callous language" typical of institutions when challenged.
Mrs. Martin has made a direct appeal to Scotland's Lord Advocate to intervene and expedite decisions regarding potential criminal investigations. "The Crown delays are unacceptable," she declared, expressing disbelief at being told a decision might not come until autumn of this year. "It made me question the efficiency of the process."
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
Andrew Watt, deputy chief officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, responded by stating: "Our thoughts remain firmly with Firefighter Martin's family and all of those affected by the tragic incident which took place at the former Jenners Building in 2023." He emphasised that the fire remains subject to an "ongoing and active investigation" led by Police Scotland and overseen by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, making it inappropriate to comment on specific claims.
The Crown Office confirmed they have received two prosecution reports from the Health and Safety Executive regarding Mr. Martin's death. A spokesman stated: "The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to share significant developments with the Martin family."
A Fight for Justice and Future Safety
Shelley Martin vowed to continue her fight not just for her family's sake, but for all firefighters who risk their lives daily. "I can't give up, not just for Barry's sake, or my boys, but for every firefighter that risks their lives every day," she affirmed, highlighting the broader implications of her campaign for accountability and procedural reform within emergency services.
The case continues to raise significant questions about investigation timelines, institutional transparency, and support for families of emergency service personnel who die in the line of duty, with the Martin family's wait for answers now extending beyond three years since the tragic Edinburgh fire.
