Firefighter Dies

[Jimmy Krankie]

SKY News reporting two teenage girls have been arrested in connection with F/f Stephen Hunt's death

[suzi]

RIP

........

[CitizenSmith]

RIP Bro.

...

[Jimmy Krankie]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-man...r-23304526


Manchester fire: Two teens arrested after firefighter dies

Two 15-year-old girls have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a firefighter was killed tackling a blaze in Manchester.

Stephen Hunt, 38, was among 60 firefighters called to the fire at the store-room of a shop in Oldham Street.

A spokesman said he got into difficulty at about 20:35 BST along with another firefighter and both were taken to hospital.

Mr Hunt, a father-of-two, was based at Manchester's Philips Park Fire Station.

He was confirmed dead in hospital.

The other injured firefighter is not thought to have life-threatening injuries, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said.

'Dedicated firefighter'

The fire broke out in the underground store-room of Paul's Hair World at about 14:50 BST and was still being dealt with on Sunday morning.


Stephen Hunt was based at Manchester's Philips Park Fire Station Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze had been particularly difficult to tackle because of the complex layout of the building and the amount of material inside.

County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said: "We are devastated by the loss of one of our colleagues who has died in the line of duty.

"We never expect to lose a colleague in this way and it brings home the dangers that our firefighters put themselves in every day to keep the community safe," Mr McGuirk said.

"Stephen had been a dedicated firefighter since 2008 and we are all in a state of shock."

An investigation is being carried out in conjunction with the police to establish the cause of the blaze. Mr McGuirk said at this stage arson was not being ruled out.

The Merseyside and Lancashire fire services are expected to lead an investigation into the circumstances around Mr Hunt's death.

Firefighters remain at the scene tackling the blaze and Mr McGuirk paid tribute to their "professionalism, courage and dedication" while "mourning" their colleague's death.

Vij Randeniya, president of the Chief Fire Officers Association, said: "We are all devastated by the news".

"We offer our sincere condolences to Stephen's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time."

[EastEndFirefighter]

RIP Stephen...a very brave Firefighter.....you won't be forgotten.

[1973]

Desperately sad news. My thoughts are with Stephen's family, friends and colleagues. Rest in peace.

[all aboard the soapbox]

RIP bros, very sad and another great loss.

[Turk182]

RIP
Another firefighter, son, brother, husband & father taken too soon.
Our thoughts are with your family & friends.

[f.u.b.a.r.]

rest in peace brother,good bye,God Bless and protect us all.

[salfordallstar1]

Thoughts and prayers to Stephens family and colleagues.
Devastating news.
Our condolences from all at red watch Manchester Central.
Rest In Peace.