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07/04/2010
Firefighters Die In Southampton Blaze
Two firefighters have lost their lives battling at blaze in Southampton.
James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, died after being dispatched to a fire at a 15-storey block of flats at Shirley Towers on Church Street.
A total of 20 fire appliances and supporting vehicles were mobilised to the incident from stations across the county.
All residents living in the block of flats affected by the fire were successfully rescued or evacuated by the firefighters at the scene.
"During fire fighting operations in an extremely challenging incident it is with deep sadness that we confirm two firefighter fatalities," said a Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman.
A joint Fire Service and Hampshire Constabulary investigation is now underway into the incident and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed, the spokesman said.
Chief Fire Officer John Bonney added: "This is an incredibly difficult and sad time for myself and everyone in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. The two firefighters will be sadly missed and will leave a devastating hole in the Service.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time and we are giving them all the support we can. This is not only a devastating loss to our Service but is a loss to the whole fire service community."
He continued: "During these incredibly difficult circumstances firefighters at the scene undertook the successful evacuation and rescue of a number of people. Their professionalism, under truly difficult conditions, have been admirable and a testament to our Service."
(PR/GK)
James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, died after being dispatched to a fire at a 15-storey block of flats at Shirley Towers on Church Street.
A total of 20 fire appliances and supporting vehicles were mobilised to the incident from stations across the county.
All residents living in the block of flats affected by the fire were successfully rescued or evacuated by the firefighters at the scene.
"During fire fighting operations in an extremely challenging incident it is with deep sadness that we confirm two firefighter fatalities," said a Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman.
A joint Fire Service and Hampshire Constabulary investigation is now underway into the incident and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed, the spokesman said.
Chief Fire Officer John Bonney added: "This is an incredibly difficult and sad time for myself and everyone in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. The two firefighters will be sadly missed and will leave a devastating hole in the Service.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time and we are giving them all the support we can. This is not only a devastating loss to our Service but is a loss to the whole fire service community."
He continued: "During these incredibly difficult circumstances firefighters at the scene undertook the successful evacuation and rescue of a number of people. Their professionalism, under truly difficult conditions, have been admirable and a testament to our Service."
(PR/GK)
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