Firefighters in Southampton are mourning the loss of two colleagues killed after a fire in a tower block ‘went out of control’.

The Daily Mail reports that fire broke out on the ninth floor of the 15-storey block at around 8pm on Tuesday (06/04/10).

Fires crews arrived at Shirley Towers in Southampton at 8.14pm, where residents were either evacuated or told to stay in their flats. However, two members of Red Watch at St Mary's fire station in Southampton died while tackling the blaze.

They were named today as James Shears, 35, and 38-year-old Alan Bannon.

Hampshire Fire Service Chief Fire Officer, James Bonney, said, ‘We are devastated at the tragic loss of these two men.’

Mr Shears had been a firefighter for seven years – while his colleague Alan Bannon had been with the fire service for more than eight years.

An investigation has been launched into how the fire apparently managed to ‘rip’ through the block. The joint police and fire service investigation is under way and the Health and Safety Executive has also been informed.

Kristina Baldacchino, 41 – landlady of the King’s Arms public house, situated near the block – said the fire appeared to start as a small fire in a flat and the fire crews seemed to have it under control.

'Yet within an hour it was ripping through the entire block. It was a complete inferno and seemed to have gone completely out of control – even though Church Street was absolutely chock-a-block with fire engines, emergency services and even a crane,’ she said.

'Some of the residents were told to stay in their flats, while others were evacuated.’

Mother-of-two Ms Baldacchino said that a chip pan fire in one of the flats several years ago had resulted in similar scenes at the flats.

Hampshire Fire Service Chief Fire Officer James Bonney added:

'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.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time and we are giving them all the support we can.’

No other casualties have been reported.

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