A blaze which started in a flat on the fourth floor had quickly spread through the 24-storey tower. The first fire crews arrived six minutes after the alarm.
Commander Richard Welch, who was one of the first senior officers to arrive at the scene, described how the flames kept spreading as more and more firefighters arrived.
He said: “Initially they had six machines.
"Then they asked for eight, and then 10, and then 15, 20 and 25. Every single person within that building was willing to lose their own life to try to save others.
"Every single person.”
The firefighters have now been honoured at the Pride of Britain Awards for their bravery as they battled the deadly blaze and saved scores of lives.
They received the This Morning Emergency Services Award at the ceremony, which champions ordinary people for their selflessness, courage and astonishing feats.
After the tragedy unfolded in June, firefighters repeatedly went into the fire to rescue residents.
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