EIGHT West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) personnel have headed out to Turkey as part of the UK’s response to the devastating earthquakes which have struck the country and northern Syria.
The crew are volunteer members of UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) and include search dogs and handlers.
They have been joined by dedicated medical teams who volunteer from UK organisations outside of the fire and rescue service.
The WMFS staff were among crews from 14 UK fire and rescue services who have answered the call for international help.
This deployment – sanctioned by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – is the latest example of UKISAR volunteers selflessly answering an international appeal for help.
The UKISAR crews have been working around the clock since their arrival in Turkey and Syria and over the weekend rescued another two survivors – a man and a woman.
The death toll is now into tens of thousands with hundreds of buildings destroyed.
Wayne Brown, Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service, said: “The news and imagery from Turkey and Syria are truly devastating. Our thoughts are with everyone who is grieving, or otherwise affected by the earthquakes.
“We are proud to be among the UK fire and rescue services who have sent teams as part of the international response.
“The West Midlands UKISAR volunteers will provide a command support function. We are extremely grateful to them, and will be giving them all possible support during their deployment.”
