A minute’s silence has been observed today in honour of fallen Cobar firefighter, Daniel Howard, on the 10th anniversary of his death.

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Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, Assistant Commissioner – Regional Operations, Cheryl Steer, and Executive Director of Business Co-Ordination, Compliance and Reporting, Kelly McFadyen, joined “Howie’s” friends and family at a special ceremony at the scene of the tragedy in 2014.

Commissioner Fewtrell laid a wreath to acknowledge the popular 37-year-old, who died when a wall collapsed during a fire that engulfed the New Occidental Hotel.

The alarm was raised just after 7.35am on the morning of 17 August 2014 and emergency services responded to tackle the inferno.

Ten people, including overnight guests, escaped the large blaze however another fire fighter was seriously injured.

The 135-year-old building was destroyed.

Commissioner Fretwell salutes Daniel. IMAGE: FRNSW

At the time, Daniel had been a retained firefighter for Fire & Rescue NSW for around five years.

He had his own business as an electrician in Cobar and was working as a contractor at the Peak Hill Gold mine.

According to the Coroner's Report, Daniel was a former captain of the Cobar Camels Rugby club was well known and respected in the town and wider district.

During a gathering at his gravesite today, FRNSW Senior Chaplain, Jason Goodhart, also recited a prayer for Daniel.

A floral tribute created for the occasion. IMAGE: FRNSW

Commissioner Fewtrell said "Daniel’s bravery and service to his local community will never be forgotten."