Firefighters go afloat to show off latest rescue equipment

THREE years ago when the floods hit East Yorkshire, firefighters did not have any boats or dry suits and crews could be wading around in contaminated water for hours.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Dec 2010, 13:17 BST
Updated 15th Dec 2010, 13:24 BST

Now, with funding from the Government, Humberside Fire and Rescue is better equipped than ever to deal with any repeat.

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart will be shown what has been achieved since 2007 when he visits the service's headquarters in Hessle on Friday.

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The service now has between 180 and 200 dry suits, four dinghies to help people out of their homes, as well as two 5m floating platforms that can be laid out over water, mud or ice. Crews have also been extensively trained in water rescue techniques.

The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs is also giving the service nearly 119,000 for four vehicles, boats to be based in Bridlington, Bransholme, Scunthorpe and Grimsby, and associated training, in case of flooding as a result of a North Sea surge.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service manager Keith Evans said: "I am pleased that Graham Stuart has remained true to his promise of returning to allow us to show him the end result of our investment.

"I am proud of where we are now and our ability to provide a first class flood and water rescue response".

Related topics:East YorkshireGovernment