Volunteers sought to aid fire victims

The Red Cross Fire Victim Support Service, based in Bradford, looks after hundreds of fire victims across West Yorkshire each year.

But volunteers are dwindling, so service co-ordinator Norman Brickley has launched an appeal to find new, caring helpers.

"We desperately need more volunteers for this wonderful service," he said. "We help people when there is a house fire or flooding - that sort of incident. Sometimes they can't go back into their homes and need some immediate support, even if it's just a meal and some clean clothes.

"It is a very interesting job and a worthwhile cause."

The service, based at Idle fire station, is supported by 25 active volunteers. A rota means that two people are on call from 6pm until 7am and during weekends.

If fire crews believe they are needed, they are summoned in their Peugeot caravanette. So far this year, they have been called out 37 times, compared to 35 times in the whole of 2002.

"Fire victims can come into our vehicle after a stressful situation and we will look after them," said Mr Brickley, a former police officer. "We have living quarters, a shower, toilet, food preparation facilities and clothes, and a mobile phone for them to call relatives. But more importantly, we offer tender loving care."

The Red Cross pair can ring the emergency housing officer if the victims lived in a local authority home, and give them a lift to alternative housing if required, or take them to stay with relatives or friends.

Sometimes victims of fires and floods have lost all their belongings or they may not be able to go into their homes to retrieve even basic items, which is where the Red Crosscomes in. All volunteers take part in social and fundraising events to raise the £15,000 which keeps the service running for a year. Expenses are paid and training is given.

For more information, ring (01274) 620999 or go to the Asda supermarket car park, Rooley Lane, on Thursday, September 4 from 10am to 4pm.