London Fire Brigade has sent seven members of the Brigade, to join the UK-ISAR earthquake rescue effort. UK-ISAR is the official UK Government response to international disasters, funded and supported by FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office).
Station Commander Ian Simpson, who is the Brigade’s UK-ISAR team co-ordinator, is in Venezuela. He said: “There is a lot of devastation which is quite shocking to see first-hand. We are part of a UK-wide team which includes dogs, who are being used to detect signs of life beneath the rubble.
“The team are working really hard and doing their very best in difficult circumstances with 100% humidity. Added to that, the infrastructure has been decimated so transportation by road is extremely challenging. Thankfully, local people are assisting us on the ground and helping us locate those who need rescuing.”
London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: “First and foremost I would like to express my deep heartfelt condolences on behalf of the London Fire Brigade to the people of Venezuela who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.
“It is a great honour to have our London Fire Brigade staff join the rescue effort as part of the UK-ISAR team.
“I am very proud of our seven staff who deployed with little notice to fly out to Venezuela. It goes without saying, the whole of the Brigade wishes them all a very successful deployment.”
