Volunteers needed to help Somerset fire victims (From Somerset County Gazette)

Volunteers needed to help Somerset fire victims

9:20am Monday 7th January 2013 in Taunton

MP Jeremy Browne meets Malcolm Cook and Bev Sugden of the British Red Cross Fire and Support Service.

A SERVICE which helps find somewhere to live for victims of fires in their homes is appealing for volunteers.

The British Red Cross Fire and Support Service looks after people who are left standing outside watching firefighters battle with their house on fire.

Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne has praised the existing volunteers after visiting the charity’s HQ.

He said: “When the fire service is called out to a fire, the Red Cross volunteers go along too with their specially adapted vehicle, which has everything that could be needed if you have to leave a property quickly due to a fire – everything from pet food and clothes to nappies and drink.

“Looking after people while they could be watching their family home go up in flames means these volunteers are life savers for these individuals.

“The fire service needs to concentrate on putting the fire out and making the area safe so having the Red Cross team there means they can do that while knowing the individuals affected are also being looked after by a caring and dedicated team.

“For this service to continue the Red Cross needs more volunteers.”

To volunteer for the service call 01823-273714.