The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) has dropped its appeal against liability for the deaths of two firefighters who died fighting a fireworks factory blaze in 2006.

Firemen Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker died at the blaze in Marlie Farm in Lewes in 2006.

After a long running court case in 2013, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was ordered to pay compensation to the families of the firefighters who died and to firefighters who were seriously injured after being found guilty of a number of failings.

However the service has delayed paying compensation because its insurers, Zurich, were appealing the decision.

The FBU said today (Friday) that ESFRS had dropped its appeal.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “This is welcome news for the families of Geoff and Brian but it is a scandal it has taken this long for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to admit its guilt and to honour the ruling of the court. Those responsible for these outrageous decisions should hang their heads in shame for prolonging this painful process.

“Geoff and Brian died in the line of duty serving the public. We have a duty to make sure their families are looked after and that justice is done.

“The FBU have campaigned tirelessly and this approach has now paid off.

“I know all firefighters hope lessons will be learnt from this tragedy so this doesn’t happen again in the future.

“Our thoughts are now with the families of Geoff and Brian and the other injured firefighters.”

In the original court case, ESFRS was found guilty of a number of failings contributing to the two deaths - including a failure to train staff about the danger of fireworks stored in bulk, a failure to pre-plan as well as a communications breakdown resulting in a flawed evacuation once the danger had become clear.

Chairman of East Sussex Fire Authority Phil Howson said: “The decision to appeal the original July 2013 ruling was made by our insurers and we were bound by that decision.  We hope that now the settlement of the individual claims can be progressed by the insurers and that this development will now draw this matter to a conclusion for all concerned.”

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Des Prichard said: “Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge were well-respected colleagues and are still missed by those who knew them. We continue to remember their dedication to serving our community.

"We have learnt lessons from what happened at Marlie Farm. A full investigation took place immediately afterwards and we have brought in many changes not only to the way we work, but to the way fire services across the UK and internationally work. We remain committed to ensuring our firefighters are as safe as they can possible be when they are called out to emergencies.”