Home > Media > Press Releases > Humanitarian aid to the legacy of Chernobyl
Text only
21 September 2007
Redundant fire kit from West Yorkshire is being donated to help the emergency services in Belarus.
Protective clothing including jackets, helmets, boots and trousers began its journey from fire HQ in Birkenshaw today, courtesy of Chernobyl Children in Need (CCIN).
CCIN is a small charity run by unpaid volunteers who concentrate their efforts on the small township of Ozarichi, just outside the dangerously high, and totally evacuated, radiation zone. It houses some 4,000 people and sadly is full of suffering children.
“Belarus is crippled by the costs of having to pay for the damage caused by the Chernobyl disaster, consequently education, health and the fire and rescue services have taken a serious hit,” explained Mark Buxton, the charity’s north of England representative.
“Local firefighters have no decent uniforms, protective or otherwise – some have only old trainers. The fire station is leaking badly and has no washing facilities or toilet. Should the men wish to eat or sleep they have to bring their own food and bedding.
“They have three engines, but only two work.
“We are extremely grateful for West Yorkshire’s support.”
Councillor Philip Booth, who chairs West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said that following the Chernobyl accident tens of thousands of firefighters from across the former Soviet Union went to help and although only 35 died at the time over 17,000 had died since, or were retired due to severe disability.
“If our old kit can be of any use to the brave firefighters of Ozarichi and the Kalinkovitch district then we are more than happy to support them,” he added.
ENDS
For further details contact Stephen Hardy, Media and PR Unit, 01274 655717