A PLAQUE will be unveiled later this month by fighters in memory of those lost in the Kilbirnie Street blaze 50 years ago.
The fire - which took place at a cash and carry warehouse in the Port Eglinton area of Glasgow - began as fairly routine, but tragically resulted in one of the highest losses of life for the UK fire service in a single incident during peacetime, with seven members of the Glasgow Fire Service dying in the line of duty.
A subsequent fatal accident inquiry concluded that the fire had spread across the hardwood-clad fire floor ceiling, leading to a “flashover” – the near-simultaneous combustion of all flammable material present – which engulfed the firefighters inside the building.
The seven men were laid to rest in the Glasgow Necropolis, while their names were added to the memorial to the firefighters lost in the 1960 Cheapside Street whisky bond fire.
On 28 August, a special Red Plaque - a national scheme which recognises the deaths of firefighters - will be unveiled by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) at the scene of the fire in Kilbirnie Street in memory of those firefighters lost in the blaze, with an open invitation to all those who wish to show their respects.
The ceremony, beginning at 1.30pm, will include speeches from FBU senior officials, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief officer, and Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren.
Speaking to the National, FBU Regional Treasurer Seona Hart said: “The Red Plaque Scheme aims to recognise as many fallen firefighters as possible for their selfless work to protect others. These plaques play an important role for the loved ones of firefighters who have died in the line of duty - that their sacrifices are not forgotten, as well as sharing their stories with the community.”
The FBU’s Red Plaque scheme is fully funded by proceeds from the weekly Firefighters 100 Lottery and has been able to create several plaques each year since its inception in 2017, with more hoped to be placed around communities affected by firefighter fatalities.
