After the hearing families of the two firefighters today called for national changed to prevent further tragedies.

The widows of the two men, Charlotte Bannon and Carla Shears, and other family members were at the inquest to hear the verdict.

Speaking afterwards, they called for recommendations to be implemented nationally to prevent future tragedies.

Mr Shears's father Edward said: ''We as a family have lost a son, a husband, a father and a brother.

''Red Watch St Mary's have lost two brothers.

''Nothing can bring Jim and Alan back but we want Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to put procedures in place to ensure the same mistakes do not happen again, leading to the deaths of other firefighters.

''We have been assured this will happen in Hampshire but our concern is that this should happen across the whole country.

''Thank-you to everyone who has supported us through this difficult time and thank-you to group manager Tom Carr who was invaluable to us throughout this time, as well as everyone at St Mary's especially Red Watch.''

A statement released on behalf of Mr Bannon's family said: ''We can only hope that the recommendations which surely must follow today's verdict are taken on board and implemented by all fire services nationally and other relevant parties therefore leading to better safety of our firefighters around the country.

''We do not want any other families to have to go through the same pain as we have suffered and continue to endure.''