Books of condolences have opened in Bray and Wicklow town today for the two firefighters who died yesterday.
The scene of the fire in Bray, Co Wicklow yesterday in which two firefighters tragically lost their lives. Image: Barbara Flynn.
Brian Murray (46), a father of 13, and Mark O'Shaughnessy (26) died while tackling a fire in a disused factory in Bray yesterday morning. It is believed they became trapped when the roof collapsed.
They were eventually pulled free but could not be resuscitated.
Thousands of people turned up today to sign books of condolences at the offices of Bray Town Council and Wicklow County Council. Tributes were led by President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
The Garda, the Health and Safety Authority and Wicklow County Council have begun investigations.
Mr O'Shaughnessy and Mr Murray are the first firefighters to be killed in the Republic during service since 1936.