Chief Officer Martin Blunden led tributes during an emotional wreath-laying ceremony at Glasgow’s Necropolosis.

Speaking to those gathered at the memorial, Chief Officer Blunden said: “These firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice as they worked to protect their communities.

“It is therefore right and fitting that we gather here to remember our fallen colleagues and indeed our thoughts remain very firmly with their families.

“Our firefighters go to work each day knowing they may be asked to enter harm’s way to help protect others.

“It is that dedication that makes all of our crews, Operations Control staff and emergency service partners so extraordinary.”

Crews across the country stood in solidarity to mark the memorial and station flags flew at half-mast – ahead of Sunday’s anniversary.

The Kilbirnie Street tragedy unfolded shortly after 11.20am on Friday, August 25, 1972 when crews from the former Glasgow Fire Service raced to the scene of the ferocious blaze at the Sher Brothers’ warehouse in Kilbirnie Street.

Divisional Officer Andrew Quinn and firefighters Alistair Crofts, Iain Bermingham, Allan Finlay, William Hooper, Duncan McMillan and James Rook all lost their lives that day.

Chief Officer Blunden added: “Since the Second World War, more than 300 firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty in the UK– each loss reminds us of the dangers firefighters face each and every day.

“Ours is an inherently dangerous job, but we learn and adapt and our firefighters will continue to be there when our communities need us.

“The sacrifice these firefighters made will never be forgotten by the SFRS family or the wider community.”