Today, fire crews across Hampshire pause to remember two brave firefighters who died in the 2010 Shirley Tower block fire. James ‘Jim’ Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, lost their lives battling the blaze that shocked the nation.
Tragic Fire Changed Fire Safety Forever
The deadly fire on April 6, 2010, led to sweeping changes in national fire safety rules aimed at protecting firefighters. Despite improvements, the ultimate sacrifice made by Jim and Alan is one that should never have happened. Firefighters across Hampshire observed a minute’s silence at 11am to honour their fallen comrades.
Widow Carla Shears Opens Up on Grief and Healing
Carla Shears, the widow of Jim, has shared candid reflections on her long journey of recovery.
“Everything was just crazy, and I don’t really remember a huge amount of it,” Carla recalls. “It wasn’t until Alan’s funeral that one of the other wives asked if I had been running recently and I said no, I hadn’t thought about it at all. She suggested maybe I should try it again, to see if it would help.”
Just two weeks before Jim’s death, Carla had completed her first marathon. After the tragedy, she found running became her lifeline. “Along with my friends and family, running saved me and saved my sanity. It became my coping mechanism when everything around me felt like it was falling apart,” she said.
Firefighters Charity and Team Jim Keep Memory Alive
Carla and her two sons found peace at Harcombe House, a sanctuary supported by the Firefighters Charity. The family returns there annually, finding solace and strength in the tranquil Devon retreat. In autumn following the fire, Carla formed “Team Jim” with friends and former colleagues who run the New Forest Half Marathon in Jim’s honour.
“It’s very emotional, seeing his name everywhere. They announce us over the tannoy as we cross the finish line, and people come up to us to ask about Jim. The first year it was too hard to speak, but now I can talk about him. I like talking about him,” Carla said.
Remembering Jim: A Firefighter and Family Man
Jim Shears dreamed of being a firefighter since university. After an initial rejection from Dorset Fire Service, he was accepted by Hampshire, a moment of joy for him and his family. Carla remembers him as a loving dad who balanced his demanding job with school runs, judo sessions, and family time. “He died doing something he loved so much. He loved the lads and his whole family. But at home, he was just Jim, the dad,” she said. Following the tragic inquest into the fire, Carla found a turning point. “After the inquest, as horrific as that night was, I could finally piece together what happened. I was able to move forward with my life. And during that time, running saved me.”
Never Forgotten: Honouring Firefighters’ Ultimate Sacrifice
Carla has raised tens of thousands for the Firefighters Charity, honouring Jim’s legacy and supporting those who serve. She hopes he will be proud. Both Jim Shears and Alan Bannon’s names live on in the hearts of firefighters everywhere. Their heroism reminds every firefighter of the risks they face each day. You will never be forgotten, Jim and Alan. Watching over our earthly heroes as they continue to fly high.
