SFRS supports the international rescue efforts in Venezuela

Three Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) firefighters are part of a 68-strong contingent from the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services deployed to Venezuela to help communities impacted by two devastating earthquakes.

Joining the team from SFRS are Crew Commander Ian Hodgson, based at North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen, and Firefighter Brian Richards, from MacAlpine Road, Dundee. They are joined by Station Commander Gavin Brown, Prevention Directorate, based in Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee area, who was previously part of the team deployed to Morocco following an earthquake in 2023.

They will provide specialist technical expertise where it is needed most during search and rescue operations.

The UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team has been deployed through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) following a request for support from the Venezuelan government. The team includes firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services.

Andrew Watt, SFRS Deputy Chief Officer said: “Our thoughts are with the people and communities of Venezuela who have been affected by these devastating earthquakes.

“Working alongside colleagues from across the UK, our firefighters will play a crucial role in delivering a coordinated, highly skilled response.

“Their professionalism and dedication reflect the very best of our service.”

SFRS Group Commander Andy Buchan is the UK ISAR Team Manager in Scotland. He added: “Our firefighters will bring specialist skills and equipment to support the international rescue efforts in extremely challenging conditions."

UK ISAR teams are fully self-sufficient on deployment. They bring their own food, water, shelter, sanitation, communications and all necessary equipment, enabling them to operate independently for up to 14 days.

This ensures they place no additional strain on local resources during the critical aftermath of a sudden-onset disaster.

The UK ISAR capability is the UK Government’s official international search and rescue provision. Supported by the FCDO, teams are trained and equipped to respond to overseas urban search and flood emergencies.

Other participating services include Cheshire, Essex, Greater Manchester, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, London, Merseyside, Mid and West Wales, South Wales and West Midlands Fire Services.