Team from Cheshire deployed to Türkiye

Following the two devastating earthquakes in Türkiye on Monday 7 February, four firefighters from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were immediately deployed by the UK government to assist rescue efforts, following a request from the Turkish government for support.

The UK International Search and Rescue (UK-ISAR) team included Watch Manager Andy Clarke from Chester Fire Station, Firefighter Ian Wilson from Lymm Fire Station and Crew Manager Dan Reid and Firefighter John Monaghan, both based at Penketh Fire Station. They flew out to Gaziantep on Tuesday 8 February as part of a 77 strong team of specialists that also included  four search dogs and associated rescue equipment.

The UK-ISAR team carried out search and rescue operations in the province of Hatay, which is the area in the southeast of Türkiye at the epicentre of the earthquakes. The team worked alongside Turkish and international colleagues to help search for, and rescue, any survivors. The UK-ISAR team rescued several individuals during their time in Türkiye.