Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

The blaze broke out just after 15:00 BST at Ver Meadows in Redbourn, the fire service says.

The casualty was brought out of the house by firefighters, but later died at the scene.

Inspectors are "pleased the service has made some progress in other areas" since the last full inspection in 2022.

Firefighters say that the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Reqs is remembered as a good boy who helped firefighters navigate tricky emergency scenes.

Firefighter Oliver Dent says he was accused of "putting the service under strain".

The chief fire officer says issues "will be resolved thoroughly, quickly and transparently".

Chris Strickland retires from Fire and Rescue Service after a 40-year career as a firefighter.