TRIBUTES to the firefighters who lost their lives have been led by the Fire Brigade Union.

Chairman of Hampshire Fire Brigades Union, Eddie Burrows, said he was told the news of the firefighters' deaths in the early hours of this morning.

The firefighters who lost their lives were this morning confirmed as James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38.

Mr Burrows said: "We mourn the tragic loss of two friends and firefighters who served at St Mary's station in Southampton.

"Obviously there will now be a full investigation into what happened.

"I have been up since the middle of the night when I was told of the news. It is going to be tragic for the members of Red Watch themselves because they now have to come to terms and deal with this terrible loss."

The head of the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports injured firefighters and their families, today expressed his sorrow at the two deaths.

Charity chairman Keith MacGillivray said: "The Fire Fighters Charity would like to send its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fire fighters who tragically lost their lives whilst tackling the deadly blaze in a tower block in Southampton last night.

"This tragedy highlights the difficult and gruelling circumstances that fire fighters have to face daily, which can often end with harsh consequences. Every year thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst carrying out their duties.

"The Fire Fighters Charity will endeavour to support the families of the deceased, as they struggle to come to terms with this tragedy, along with the two fire fighters who were injured in the blaze. We will do our utmost to ease their pain and suffering wherever possible."

Matt Wrack, fire brigade union general secretary, was visibly upset as he visited the scene of the fire today.

He said: "It's devastating obviously for the families and all the firefighters who were here last night at the incident and those here today.

"The fire service is a close-knit community and it's felt all over the country.

Mr Wrack described the difficulty of fighting a fire in a tower block nine floors up.

"There is all sorts of equipment that has got to be taken up all those flights of stairs. The design of the flats can add complications and it can make it extremely difficult to fight a fire in a block of flats like this.

He was then asked to speculate on how the men died.

"It's far too early for me to comment on that. There will be a number of investigations into what happened last night and we need to take our time and examine that thoroughly.

"The atmosphere is one of absolute dismay and devastation, it's very sombre.

"There need sto be a careful examination of everything that has happened. There will be support mechanisms at the local fire services to identify people (firefighters) who are either or suffering trauma.

"It's just a horrible thing to lose a colleague, or two colleagues in this case. You are never ready for it.

"The fire service, police, HSE and ourselves will be examining all of the facts around what happened, and try to learn a lesson from it to try to prevent such tragedies from happening again."

Asked what he thought about the reaction of Shirley residents, who have been leaving floral tributes to the dead men at the scene, he said: "I think the community is acknowledging the role of the firefighters who are serving their community and it's touching."

Meanwhile, Gordon Brown has led Parliamentary tributes to the two "brave" firefighters killed in Southampton last night.

Mr Brown, speaking during Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon, said: "We are sadly reminded today of the sacrifice made by members of our emergency services, and we send our condolences to the family and friends of the two brave firemen who died in Southampton last night. We pay tribute to the bravery and commitment demonstrated by all our emergency and public services."

Tory leader David Cameron said: "I join the Prime Minister in paying tribute to James Shears and Alan Bannon, the two firefighters killed while tackling the fire in Southampton last night."

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg added: "I would like to join in paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of James Shears and Alan Bannon, the two firefighters who lost their lives in Southampton last night."