Tributes paid to fire officers who died in fireworks explosion

TRIBUTES were paid last night to two fire officers killed when a devastating explosion ripped through a fireworks depot.

The two men who died in the blaze were named as retained firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, and support officer Brian Wembridge, 63.

Police and senior firefighters have promised a “thorough” investigation into Sunday’s incident, which left 12 other people injured, at Festival Fireworks in Shortgate, near Lewes, East Sussex.

But Des Prichard, chief fire officer of East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said it was still “too early” to know what caused the tragedy.

He said colleagues of the two men had been “traumatised” by the blast and subsequent deaths.

“It is a very traumatic and shocking event,” Mr Prichard said.

“To lose two of your colleagues in that incident, clearly, as I am sure you understand, will impact upon all members of the Fire and Rescue Service.”

Roger Bradgate, a former sub-officer of Crowborough fire station who worked with Mr Wembridge and Mr Wicker for many years, said he was “devastated”.

He said: “Both of them worked tirelessly for others on behalf of the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund and in their service with the brigade, caring for others all the time.

“They will be greatly missed. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends and colleagues.”

Mr Wembridge was a former firefighter whose most recent roles included photographing and filming fire scenes.

He would supply the local television station with video footage of fires because he would often get to the scene before them or because he would be allowed past cordons.

A cameraman for local Meridian TV, who worked with Mr Wembridge for 10 years, paid tribute to him.

Colin Nicholls said: “He was always really affable. He sat down and had a cup of coffee and a chat, he was such a nice chap.”

The explosions at the depot were so loud they were heard by people in the town of Uckfield, some 12 miles away.

The blasts shook nearby houses and sent debris flying through the air.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said yesterday’s tragedy was a reminder of the sacrifice made by firefighters.