Beijing, Aug 17 (IANS): Bowing to the photos of dead firefighters, Premier Li Keqiang paid respects to those young men who lost their lives in two massive warehouse blasts in north China's port city of Tianjin.

"They are all heroes and deserve the respect of the whole society," said Li, while visiting a brigade of Tianjin fire department. He arrived in Tianjin on Sunday.

At least 21 firefighters were among 114 people who were killed after two huge explosion tore through a warehouse in Tianjin's Binhai New Area late Wednesday night, reported Xinhua.

Li said all the dead -- whether official firefighters or contract counterparts -- will have the same posthumous honour and their families will be given the same compensation.

The premier also visited the firefighters and soldiers who are still racing against the clock to search for the missing people at the blast site, praising their valor and contributions.

"When people's lives are at risk, you go to the rescue without fear or hesitation and make sacrifices," Li said on Sunday. "The Party and the government thank you."

He asked them to ensure their own safety in rescue work.