Tribute is paid to fire crews’ Covid support

LANCASHIRE county council (LCC) has paid tribute to the work of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

At the full council meeting on July 15 all councillors backed a motion thanking the service for the invaluable contribution that they have made and are continuing to make.

Throughout the pandemic, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) staff have taken on a range of additional duties to support the national effort to fight coronavirus. This has included coordinating distribution of PPE, fitting face masks for NHS and care staff, and providing digital education and support to children and young people, some of whom were incredibly vulnerable and isolated.

LFRS has also supported the vaccination programme, working at vaccination sites seven days a week in marshalling and vaccinator roles. They have assisted in the delivery of nearly 400,000 vaccinations so far, with 43,000 of these administered by LFRS staff.

County Coun Barrie Yates, chairman of LCC, said: “We’re so proud of our brave firefighters, volunteer firefighters and staff for the crucial role they have played during the pandemic.

“They provided invaluable support to other emergency services - assisting vulnerable people and NHS staff - in addition to carrying out their usual duties.

“During this time, they have also carried on responding to emergencies, including dealing with a major incident involving multiple wildfires, widespread flooding, a bonfire period with increased risk of fires and injuries across the county, multiple large-scale fires, and a devastating gas explosion.

“Everyone in Lancashire is so grateful to them.”