Party leaders praise firefighters who died in firework factory blaze (From The Argus)

Party leaders praise firefighters who died in firework factory blaze

4:32pm Wednesday 6th December 2006 in

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Prime Minister Tony Blair and Tory leader David Cameron paid tribute to two firemen who died tackling a fireworks factory blaze.

The party leaders praised father-of-two Brian Wembridge, 63, from Poundfield Road, Crowborough, and Geoff Wicker, also a father-of-two, of Cuckmere Rise, Heathfield, during question time at the House of Commons today.

Mr Wembridge, a retired firefighter, and Mr Wicker, a reserve fireman, were killed on Sunday when a blaze ripped through Festival Fireworks in Shortgate, near Lewes.

The tiny village of Shortgate remains closed. Ten families, including Martin Winter and his wife Julie who own Festival Fireworks have been unable to get to their homes because of fears gas canisters in the area may still explode.

An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the blaze is under way.