West Yorkshire opened its showcase urban search and rescue (USAR) complex on 7 January 2010. The state-of-the-art training centre is based at the county's fire HQ in Birkenshaw, backed by central government funding. Click on the links above to find out more about the various aspects of USAR. 
Urban Search and Rescue
USAR equipment and training has been provided by central government to enable fire and rescue services to respond to a wide range of incidents, arising from both natural and man-made disasters including:
The new complex will enable West Yorkshire's USAR team - which is available for local, regional and national emergencies - to train 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.