James Shears and Alan Bannon died hours after crews were called to the fire A two-minute silence is being held to mark one year since the deaths of two Southampton firemen in a fire at a tower block.
James Shears, 35 and Alan Bannon, 38, died tackling the blaze at Shirley Towers on 6 April 2010.
The Health and Safety Executive, police and fire service are all investigating. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is also conducting an inquiry.
Fire service flags will also fly at half-mast across the county.
The fire started in the ninth floor of the 15-storey tower block in Church Street, after a curtain left draped over a lightbulb caught fire.
Fire crews were called at 2014 BST.
Mr Bannon was pronounced dead at the scene at 2215 BST and Mr Shears died in hospital at 2235 BST.
All residents in the flats were rescued.
Post-mortem tests showed Mr Shears, of Poole, Dorset, and Mr Bannon, of Bitterne, Southampton, died of exposure to excessive heat.
Both men, who had young families, served with Red Watch at St Mary's Fire Station.
People were moved out of 12 flats above and below the fire over structural concerns Mr Bannon's widow, Charlotte Bannon, paid tribute to her husband one year on, and at the same time thanked his colleagues or "brothers" for their support over the past year.
"It doesn't seem possible that it has been a year since we last saw Alan's smile, heard his laugh and Abi felt his arms around her in a hug," she said.
"Every time I look at her I am reminded of what a wonderful, devoted and loving father he was and am saddened to think he will miss seeing our brave little girl grow up."
Mr Shears's widow, Carla Shears, said: "One year on, the pain of losing Jim is still raw. I miss his smile, his funny humour and his devotion to his friends and family.
"I am not sure how we have managed to get through the past year. It has been incredibly hard. My friends and family have made it possible.
"As always, my deepest respect and love goes out to all firefighters, especially those of St Mary's Red Watch. I wish them all to be safe."
The firemen's colleagues added: "We will never be able to replace 'Bert' and 'Britney'.
"They each brought very different things to Red Watch and we miss them a lot.
"But what they did both bring was bravery and courage and we will always be proud of them and think about the lives they saved on that tragic night."
The two-minute silence is due to take place at 1100 BST.
The city council said Shirley Towers would fully reopen again in June.
People were moved out of 12 flats above and below the fire over structural concerns.
Most were permanently re-housed elsewhere.
Seven properties have since been refurbished and have people living in them again.
The council spokesman said the building was structurally safe and scaffolding would come down in April.
This article is from the BBC News website. � British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-hampshire-12978609
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