It is with deep regret that we inform you of the loss of two of our colleagues from Hampshire FRS. James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38 were full-time firefighters and members of Red Watch at St Mary's fire station in Southampton. Mr Shears had been with the service just under seven years; Mr Bannon for eight and a half years.

Last night, shortly after 2000hrs, crews from Hampshire FRS responded to a fire in a block of flats - 15-storey Shirley Towers, Church Street, Southampton. 20 fire appliances inc. supporting vehicles were mobilised to the incident from across the county.

It was during efforts to manage the incident that two firefighters lost their lives, in addition two firefighters also sustained minor burns to their hands and were subsequently taken to hospital.

A joint FRS and Police investigation is now underway into the incident, we await news as to whether the HSE will also be undertaking their own investigation.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the families and colleagues involved in this tragic incident.

John Barton
National General Secretary