Firefighters die in Southampton blaze

James Shears, 35, (above left) and Alan Bannon, 38, (above right) lost their lives in an incident the fire service called ‘extremely challenging’.

One hundred and six residents were evacuated from Shirley Towers in Southampton after the fire services were called about 8.15pm last night.

Ward councillor and portfolio holder for the environment Matthew Dean said four residents were taken to hospital ‘as a precautionary measure’.

All residents were rescued and evacuated and many spent the night at a nearby Salvation Army rest centre. Firefighters were tackling the blaze for more than four hours - until 12.45am.

Arnold Tarling, a surveyor with 20 years’ experience inspecting public sector housing, believed the fire had spread from the 7th floor to the 9th before firefighters arrived.

But Mr Dean said the fire had not spread from the flat where it started and added there was ‘no suggestion that the fire was due to an electrical fault’.

Twenty fire appliances and supporting vehicles went to the fire, which is now being investigated by the police and fire services. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer John Bonney said:  ‘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.’

Most of the residents in the block are tenants. Southampton Council confirmed it owns the block and said it will release more details later today.

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment