Fire crews praised for vital M80 help
FIRE crews have been praised by their bosses for going above and beyond during the weather crisis.
Firefighters were out overnight with food, water and blankets to try and bring comfort to hundreds of drivers stranded on the M80.
They used Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) 4x4 vehicles to bring hundreds of pounds worth of supplies from supermarkets.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay is the SFRS Director of Response and Resilience.
He said: “This was an unprecedented weather event and there is absolutely no doubt that our firefighters went above and beyond the call of duty.
“They did everything within their power, working with our Operations Control staff and volunteers, to ensure those stranded were provided with every available support.
“Severe weather conditions is a new and emerging risk, and this absolutely under- lines why it is vital that we prepare, train and equip our firefighters to respond as quickly and effectively as possible.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our crews, our partners and all of the volunteers who worked to overcome these challenging conditions to reach those in need, and also at incidents across the country throughout the night.
The crews also provided comfort and safety advice throughout the night.
Firefighters worked in tandem with partner agencies and volunteers with specialist vehicles able to overcome the hazardous conditions.
Those volunteers were mobilised through the Community Asset Register, operated and activated by SFRS Operations Control at times of significant emergency to enhance a full response.
Mr Ramsay added: “It is now imperative that the public continues to follow all available weather updates and safety advice to stay safe.”