It is with great sadness that we received news late last night of the death of two fire service personnel. At this time of mourning our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both individuals, whose dedication and willingness to protect their communities were second to none.

The events at the fireworks depot remind everyone of the dangers experienced by operational personnel on a daily basis, and demonstrate why the public holds members of the fire service in such high regard. As ever in these difficult times, all members of the service will be sending messages of condolence and support to those involved, the fire service is a team in which our successes, failures and losses are shared by all.

We also wish all those injured and hospitalised at the incident, a speedy recovery.

Within our Health & Safety remit, the RFU will be undertaking its part in the investigation process; assisting both East Sussex Fire & rescue Service and the HSE to ensure the answers are found as to why the fire started and why lives were lost.

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