Merseyside firefighters return to UK after battling Greek wildfires

Tony Brown, Group Manager of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, was part of 21 firefighters from the UK who worked under gruelling conditions with firefighters from around the world to help the Greek authorities.

Wildfires have caused devastation spreading through Greece this month during soaring temperatures in the country.

Home Secretary Priti Patel requested the National Fire Chiefs Council send support to Greece and teams of staff from Merseyside, Lancashire, South Wales, London, West Midlands and Northumberland fire and rescue services were deployed on August 8.

“Disasters happen every few years but this is the first time a UK team has been deployed for wildfire fighting,” Mr Brown said.

Crucial work

The firefighters worked in a range of locations across the Peloponnese area in Southern Greece, moving to a number of different areas as Greek authorities required urgent assistance.

Specialised drone operators used technology to identify fire movement and carried out thermal assessments.

Mr Brown, a firefighter for 27 years, described to LiverpoolWorld how the teams worked in sweltering 40 degree heat over 12-hour days.

“We were picked up at 7am for an 8am start and carried on working into the evening.

“Everyone was drinking about eight litres of water a day.

“We used a number of techniques to try to create firebreaks and prevent the spread of the fire including using chainsaws and hand tools to cut down low level trees and shrubs.”

The UK team’s efforts freed up the Greek firefighters to go to help local people who needed their support.

Firefighter camaraderie

Mr Brown has used his expertise during a number of natural disasters including floods in the UK and Bosnia and trains alongside other specialists three or four times a year.

He said there is always a sense of camaraderie among the firefighters no matter where they are from: “We are all men and women who have a similar outlook on life, it is a brotherhood and sisterhood and we are united.

“We were just getting ready to help with the rescue efforts in Haiti [following an earthquake], but the Haitian government didn’t need our assistance in the end and we were called to Greece.”

Working with Greece

Nikos Chardalias, Greek Deputy Minister of Civil Protection in Athens, met with the team before they left the country to thank them for their hard work.

“It is quite humbling to be thanked, it’s our profession and we don’t asked to be thanked,” Mr Brown said.

The veteran firefighter also acknowledged the kindness of the Greek people and described how locals brought the firefighters water when they were in need.

He said: “One day we had to walk almost 7 kilometres down a mountain because the shuttle minibuses were evacuating people from a village. Local people brought us water and this whole experience has showed me the resilience of the Greek people.

“With climate change, it could be that we see these types of fires happening around the world more and more.”

Proud and thankful

Fire Minister Lord Greenhalgh said: “I am extremely grateful to our team of 21 firefighters from across the UK who supported the Greek emergency services in responding to the wildfires. As they safely return home, I would like to thank them for their vital contribution to improving the situation in Greece.”

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, commented: “I am incredibly proud of the National Resilience team of firefighters and officers who have worked tirelessly in Greece. They have worked under arduous conditions in soaring heat, with their sole priority being the protection of lives, property and the wider environment.

“This just goes to show how adaptable, professional and passionate UK firefighters are about their roles; regardless of who needs their help they are always ready, willing and able.”

He added that the situation in Greece remained serious and that UK firefighter were on standby to offer further assistance “as and when required”.