Issued on: Wednesday 8 February 2023
Leicestershire Firefighters Deployed to Turkey Following Devastating Earthquakes
Four Firefighters from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have been deployed to Turkey as part of a Search and Rescue Team, following two huge earthquakes which hit Turkey, Syria and the surrounding region on Monday.
The earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude and a series of aftershocks have killed more than 9,000 people, causing widespread destruction.
The disaster has led to the deployment of the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UKISAR), who respond to humanitarian accidents or disasters on behalf of the UK Government.
Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, Callum Faint, said: “On behalf of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to offer our condolences to those who have been affected by this terrible disaster. Our thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria during this time.
“I am extremely proud that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue can help contribute to this rescue mission, by sending a specialist search and rescue team out to Turkey to assist. I wish them every success, safe travels and hope that they can make a positive difference in a massively challenging circumstance.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
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About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
During 2021/22, we attended a total of 8,259 emergency incidents, including 1,968 fires and 707 road traffic collisions. A total of 12,938 Home Safety Checks were completed and we fitted 3,546 smoke alarms. 233 schools were visited as part of the Service’s schools programme, delivering fire and road safety education to 6,724 pupils.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents attended.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
Direct: 0116 210 5592 / 0116 210 5755
corporate.communications@leics-fire.gov.uk
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