The 38-year-old was engulfed in a fireball explosion as he carried a pensioner to safety following an arson attack in Bolton last month.

Mr Morris is receiving treatment for 50 per cent burns to his legs, arms, hands, buttocks and ears at the burns unit at Wythenshawe hospital.

His family has spoken for the first time about his battle for survival.
Gary Dewar, who is part of Greater Manchester Fire Service's fire investigation team, is Mr Morris' brother-in-law. He is married to his sister, Sharon, aged 46.

Mr Dewar, 47, said: "We were allowed to go and see him briefly. I've been in the fire service 24 years and it was upsetting to see Steven like that.

"His first words were did all the lads get out ok then straight away he asked about the family.

"I reassured him we were there and told him it was going to be ok, all the team were looking after him."

Mr and Mrs Dewar informed his partner of seven years, Pauline Phipps, aged 40 and his mother, Joan Morris, aged 73, of Walkden, about the incident.

Mr Dewar said: "We got in touch with Pauline who was on a business trip in Ireland.

"She immediately got a flight back, she was very upset. Steven's mother broke down, she took it badly.

"We were all in shock and couldn't believe what had happened. Pauline is being strong and positive but she has her moments. She is finding it difficult to come to terms with what has happened. She is at the hospital every day as we all are."

Mr Morris has been a firefighter for 12 years and has been based at Bolton Central fire station since December 2004.

He is in a stable condition and was due to undergo surgery for the fourth time yesterday ((Monday)).

"There have been some small improvements but as far as we are aware he is still critical.

"He has had extensive skin grafts to the backs of both legs and we believe his lower arms.

"They tried skin grafts on his hands but they haven't taken. His hands are worst affected. The burns on his ears, head and upper arms are being left to heal on their own."

Mr Morris is on a ventilator to assist his breathing and is being fed through a tube.

Mr Dewar said: "Its a long road to recovery, we don't have a timescale. We don't know if he will work again or walk again.

"We hope he will work, we are hoping for the best. We want him back, well, and doing what he loves; firefighting."

The police are continuing to urge the public to help with the investigation into the suspected murder of Hamida Begum, 71, who died
in the blaze.

Det Supt Sam Howarth, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "Firefighter Steve Morris is also still critically ill in hospital after showing incredible bravery that night.

"Knowing that we have caught the people responsible for this horrendous attack would at least bring both families the justice they deserve."

Anyone with information is asked to call the major incident team on 0161 856 2197 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.