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Richard Jenkins leaves a widow and two young children

Richard Jenkins, 28, died after tackling the blaze at a disused community centre.

Arson has not yet been ruled out in the investigation into his death, which police say they are treating on the same level as a murder inquiry.

The fire happened at 0110 BST on Sunday morning. Two other fire crew were hurt.

Mr Jenkins, from Bridgend, went in with a hose and, within seconds, there was an explosion and a fireball engulfed him.

His two colleagues were also caught up in the flames and were badly burned. Despite their injuries, they still went inside to rescue their colleague.

He'd always do anybody a good turn Neighbour Reg Apsey

The two men fought to resuscitate him, but he was found to be dead on arrival at hospital.

Mr Jenkins, who was a Liberal Democrat candidate in next month's local council election, leaves a widow, Catherine, a son, Connor aged nine, and a six-year-old daughter, Charlotte.

On Monday Mrs Jenkins paid tribute to her husband, describing him as her "soul mate"

"I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughtful tributes to Richard," she said.

"He was a wonderful husband and a very special father.

PC Angharad Speed views floral tributes in Cardiff, where firefighter Richard Jenkins died.

"We, despite our ages, packed a lifetime of special memories that will live with me always, into our short time together.

"To say I will miss him can never cover how much of a void he will leave in out lives.

"He was my soul mate and the world is a poorer place without him," she added.

Neighbours in his home town described Mr Jenkins as a "kind" man who would do anything to help.

"It was a shock to everyone, " said neighbour Janice Saunders.

"All day everyone's been really quiet. It's a sad day.

"If anybody ever needed help, he would be there and he was always very friendly with the elderly neighbours he's got.

Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan, whose constituency includes the bingo hall, described Mr Jenkins' death as a "terrible tragedy".

Fire investigators are still examining the building

"We're all shocked particularly for the family of the young man who died," he said.

"It's difficult to believe that something so horrible could have happened right here on our doorstep.

"If someone knows what happened it's really important that they come forward and tell the police because a young man has died here."

The fire has been described as "suspicious", and a joint investigation is being carried out by the police, fire service, and the Health and Safety Executive.

A South Wales Police spokeswoman said on Monday: "A canister of liquid petroleum gas has been found in the building.

"Forensic tests are ongoing."

A statement from Cardiff Council said the area of the blaze has been fenced off and was under 24-hour police surveillance.

The statement read: "We are working with a licensed demolition contractor and the Health & Safety Executive to demolish what is left of the building and remove all debris.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of firefighter Richard Jenkins at this sad time."

Another neighbour in Bridgend Reg Apsey, 91, described Mr Jenkins as a "gentleman".

"He's never harmed anyone. He'd always do anybody a good turn," he told BBC Wales.

"He'd say anything you want just knock the wall. What more can you ask for?

Anyone with information relating to the fire is asked to call Fairwater police station on 029 20222111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.