Montreal will today honour the memory of the 37 people who perished in one of the city's worst fires, the Blue Bird Club fire 40 years ago tomorrow.

On Sept. 1, 1972, the Wagon Wheel, a club located just above the Blue Bird, was filled with about 200 people on a Friday night. Three drunk men, upset at being denied entry by a bouncer, set fire to a staircase that served as the main entry to the Wagon Wheel. Many victims unable to escape died of smoke inhalation.

A memorial mass will be held at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral at 9:30 this morning.

Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay will then help unveil a commemorative stone in Phillips Square, near the scene of the tragedy, on which 37 names are inscribed.

Other activities will take place Saturday, the 40th anniversary of the fire.

Photo Credit: The Canadian Press Images/The Gazette