AN inquest into the death of two firefighters was due to start today (Monday). The men, Jeff Wornham, 28, of Sandon, and Michael Miller, 26, of Stevenage where killed while fighting a blaze at a 17-storey block in Stevenage in February 2005. A 32-year-o
AN inquest into the death of two firefighters was due to start today (Monday).
The men, Jeff Wornham, 28, of Sandon, and Michael Miller, 26, of Stevenage where killed while fighting a blaze at a 17-storey block in Stevenage in February 2005.
A 32-year-old woman, who was trapped in the tower block, also died in the blaze.
The inquest at Hatfield Coroner's Court is expected to last for more than two weeks.
In a statement issued today, Graham Noakes, regional secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union, said he believed the deaths were "avoidable".
He said that FBU had carried out its own investigation in the blaze and would be making 73 recommendations to the inquest.
"We stress that the report did not seek to blame individuals, but to see what lessons can be learned.
"We believe the deaths of firefighters Jeff Wornham and Michael Miller were avoidable. Firefigthers regularly work in difficult, challenging and potentially dangerous situations.
"The FBU is keen to ensure that lessons are learned from this tragedy and that the issues raised are acted upon by fire services across the UK," said Mr Noakes.
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