The fire started at about 0240 GMT at the three-storey building on Morledge Street.

A total of 14 fire engines with nearly 70 firefighters attended the scene.

It is the most tragic thing that can happen in the fire service - when we lose one of our own

David Webb, chief fire officer

A police investigation has started into the death.

Fire and police investigators are trying to find the cause of the blaze.

The fire comes as talks in London aimed at averting a national firefighters' strike enter their second day.

Union leaders have warned that next week's strikes over pay will go ahead if no agreement is reached.

Thursday's fire, which started in the top two floors of the three-storey building, was eventually brought under control at 0500 GMT.

Firefighters are still at the scene damping down.

Roads closed

The firefighter who died, who had been in the service for 25 years and leaves a wife and children, had been searching the premises when he was killed.

Police have sealed off a number of the roads nearby.

The fire took over two hours to control

Wimbledon Street, Morledge Street, Southampton Street and Midland Street are all closed as is Humberstone Road within the ring road.

Chief fire officer David Webb told BBC News Online: "We are absolutely devastated.

"It sounds a bit like a cliché, but it is like losing a family member.

"These people have been friends for many, many years.

"People can imagine how bad it is - from our perspective.

"It is the most tragic thing that can happen in the fire service - when we lose one of our own. Thankfully it is very rare."