More Cash For Fire Service

Suffolk’s Fire and Rescue Service has received £73,000 in government grants to help firefighters deal with local flood emergencies.

The funding, awarded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will add four boats and supporting equipment to the rescue team’s current fleet of three.

Fire Chief Andy Fry welcomed the grant. He said:

“Suffolk’s successful bid is a major boost for fire and rescue services in the county. By doubling the number of boats we have available, we can increase our ability to deal with, and protect people from, local flooding incidents. It also means that when a national incident occurs and resources such as these are called upon, Suffolk isn’t left without the necessary equipment to protect its own residents. This is great news for Suffolk.”

The grants are part of the £2.7million Flood Rescue Grant Scheme to improve flood response in England and Wales. Suffolk was awarded £29,839 for 3 non-powered boats and £43,000 for a powered boat – with added equipment.

County Councillor Colin Spence added:

“As a coastal county with a number of waterways running through Suffolk, it’s important that we have well-trained, well-equipped water rescue teams available 24/7. We have had such teams in the county for some time and these additional resources will enable us to increase their number. The Chief Fire Officer and I are delighted with this news, which will enable us to improve the ability of our firefighters to deal with flooding and water rescue incidents.”

All the equipment bought with the Defra funding will be added to the National Asset Register of flood rescue resources that emergency services across the country can call upon during times of major flooding.