Wiltshire firefighters wait for China earthquake call

8:24am Thursday 15th May 2008

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Two Wiltshire firefighters are waiting to hear if they will be called to help with the aftermath of China's massive earthquake.

Station manager Dan Cooke, who works at Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service's training centre in Devizes, and Firefighter Stuart Hillier, a retained crew member at Pewsey, are operational members of the search and rescue charity Rapid UK.

An offer of help was made by Rapid UK to the Chinese government within an hour of the quake hitting Sichuan province on Monday.

Dan Cooke said: "We have offered two teams of 15 people, which provides a mix of search & rescue skills with medical support.

"After the frustration of not being able to help following the cyclone in Burma, we are hoping to get the call to China, but the invitation has to come from them."

Rapid UK, along with many other agencies, offered support to the Burmese government last week but this was not taken up.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Goves said: "We are always proud to support Dan and Stuart when they are called upon by Rapid UK, and I hope that they will be able to take their skills to China.

"The next few days will be crucial, but if they get the call, they will enjoy our full support in being released from Fire and Rescue Service duties immediately to help provide an effective international search and rescue operation."