Around forty firefighters were called to a blaze at a shop and dwelling of three floors on Bethnal Green Road where they rescued two men from the roof of the building.
Firefighters Bill Faust and Adam Meere were seriously injured and removed to hospital. Sadly due to the extent of their injuries both subsequently died.
Mr Knight said: "This is a tragic day for all the fire service. I am immensely proud of the professionalism of the London Fire Brigade and in particular these two brave firefighters who so tragically lost their lives. We are working to support their colleagues and families."
Adam Meere, aged 27, joined Whitechapel fire station in May this year and had already shown great promise for his future career.
Bill Faust, aged 36, has been a firefighter for seven years and was an integral part of the watch team and has played a key role in fundraising for charity. He leaves a wife and three children.
Val Shawcross, Chair of LFEPA, also expressed her sympathies. She said: "The thoughts of all Londoners will be with the families of these firefighters at this tragic time."
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