Firemen killed as they save residents from inferno at tower block

Heroes: James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, died in the "line of duty"
12 April 2012

The bravery of two firefighters killed rescuing residents from a fire at a block of flats was commended today.

James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, died in the "line of duty" as they fought the blaze at a 15-storey building.

More than 20 fire engines and support vehicles were called to Shirley Towers in Southampton after the fire broke out on the ninth floor at about 8pm yesterday.

Dozens of residents, including a pregnant woman, were led to safety as officers from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service fought the blaze.

Mr Shears and Mr Bannon were killed and another two firefighters were taken to hospital with minor burns.

Hampshire Chief Fire Officer John Bonney said the "valiant" officers left a "devastating hole in the service".

He said: "This is an incredibly difficult and sad time for myself and everyone in Hampshire Fire and Rescue.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. This is not only a devastating loss to our service but is a loss to the whole fire service community.

"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."

Mr Bonney said it was too soon to know whether "something went wrong". A joint police and fire service investigation is under way. Mr Shears had been with the service for seven years and Mr Bannon for eight. Mr Bannon, who was married and had a little girl, was the "nicest neighbour you could ask for", a resident of his street said.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "He was a delightful dad. It's absolutely devastating news and we're so sad for his family."

Firefighters took about four hours to tackle the fire. The flat where the blaze started was the home of a single mother with two children, all of whom escaped uninjured, according to neighbours.

Brian Pond said he and his pregnant daughter were trapped inside the building for more than two hours. He told GMTV: "All you could see coming out the windows was fire out the front, flames coming out of the window, black smoke."

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "Firefighters across the UK will be devastated by this tragedy and our thoughts are with the families of those who died."

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