Four Lincolnshire Firefighters join rescue efforts in Morocco
They have been sent following the earthquake on Friday night
Last updated 5th Nov 2024
Four Firefighters from Lincolnshire and Colin the Dog have gone to Morocco to help with rescue efforts, following the devastating earthquake there.
The United Nations estimated that 300,000 people were affected by Friday night's magnitude-6.8 quake. Around 2,000 people have been killed - a number that is expected to rise.
Darren Burchnall, Ben Clarke, Karl Keuneke and Neil Woodmansey with Colin the rescue dog are part of the 60-strong team that have been sent from the UK.
Lincolnshire Fire and rescue say "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster".
The crew are part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) team.
Its been deployed through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office following a request for support from the Moroccan government, is made up of firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services.
The fire services involved are Cheshire, Essex, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, London, Mid and West Wales, Merseyside, Scotland, South Wales and West Midlands.
UKISAR is part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) National Resilience Work and is on permanent standby to mobilise and assist when requested by disaster-affected countries.
National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, Mark Hardingham, said:
“The thoughts of the UK’s fire and rescue services are with all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Morocco.
“A team of specially trained firefighters and medics from the UK has been deployed to assist following a request from the Moroccan government to the British government.
“They will be providing specialist technical support where it is needed most to save lives and support local emergency service teams”.