Blaze-death firemen are praised

The coroner praised Michael Miller (left) and Jeff Wornham

Two firemen who died trying to rescue a woman from a burning flat are to be nominated for bravery awards.

Firemen Jeff Wornham, 28, and Michael Miller, 26, were trying to save Natalie Close, 32, who was trapped in a flat in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, in 2005.

An inquest jury on Friday returned a verdict of accidental death in the case of Ms Close and that the firefighters died of acute thermal injury.

Coroner Edward Thomas is to nominate the men for posthumous awards.

He also commended Blue Watch at Stevenage for their bravery.

I will work tirelessly to ensure that the loss of those young lives was not in vain Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher

The men had gone to fight a fire on the 14th floor of a block of flats after a small candle had been left on top of a television.

While trying to rescue the mother-of-two, the fire escalated, the men's breathing apparatus failed and they were quickly overcome by the intense heat and all three were killed, the inquest heard.

It was the first time in 30 years that a Hertfordshire firefighter had died in a fire whilst on duty.

Speaking after the inquest at Hatfield Coroner's Court, Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher, said: "Three people died in the fire that night and the Fire Service lost two brave colleagues.

"We will never forget the events of 2 February 2005 and the fact that Jeff and Michael saved one life and then tragically lost their own whilst trying to save another.

"There are undoubtedly lessons to be learned from what happened and I will work tirelessly to ensure that the loss of those young lives was not in vain."

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service carried out an investigation after the fire which resulted in 94 recommendations that will be put forward by the coroner.