Firefighters ready for worst disasters

Extra cash will be given to train Greater Manchester firefighters in how to deal with the aftermath of nuclear, chemical and biological disaster.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue will get £111,987 from a £21 million package to ensure the firefighters know the most up-to-date techniques for dealing with mass contamination. The money will also be used for training search dogs, protective clothing for firefighters working in difficult conditions and replacing oxygen and supplies needed to simulate real-life situations in training, Fire Minister Shahid Malik said.

The cash is part of the Government’s investment in vital equipment to ensure that England’s fire and rescue services are equipped to deal with major incidents, including terrorism and extreme weather conditions.

Mr Malik said: “This shows the Government’s continued support.

“I am also delighted to officially open a new national urban search and rescue (USAR) training centre led by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“The importance of the USAR capability in dealing with major incidents was seen earlier this week when search equipment was used following the building collapse in Shrewsbury.”

Almost 90% of England’s Fire and Rescue Service’s vehicles are now fitted with new radios and are now on a new Firelink digital radio network which allows all the emergency services to speak to each other during live incidents, aiding co-ordination.

The Government wants a linked network of nine regional fire control centres across England to replace the current 46 stand-alone control rooms.

Manchester’s base will close and all calls will go through a new super-centre in Warrington covering the entire North West.