A fire in a 15-storey block of flats in Southampton has resulted in the deaths of two firefighters.

James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, died in the blaze on Tuesday night at Shirley Towers, following an emergency call at around 8.10pm. Both firefighters were from Red Watch at St Mary’s Fire Station, Southampton. A further two firefighters suffered minor burns to their hands and were treated in hospital.

Although Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were unable to confirm exactly where the fire started, it has affected flats between the fifth and tenth floors of the building. Residents were evacuated or rescued safely from the building, which is one of the tallest blocks in Southampton. A total of 20 fire appliances and supporting vehicles were mobilised from stations across the county and firefighting operations went on for over four hours.

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. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time and we are giving them all the support we can. This is not only a devastating loss to our service but is a loss to the whole fire service community."

A joint investigation between the fire service and police has begun, and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.