The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Centurion ready to fight blazes in South America
100th appliance donated to International Fire and Rescue Association
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has donated a landmark 100th fire appliance to a Fife-based charity that assists emergency services in countries affected by war or civil unrest.
The vehicle, which has formally been named Centurion, will help to equip firefighters in the South American country of Paraguay to respond effectively to a range of different emergencies to help protect communities.
After being handed over to the International Fire and Rescue Association (Ifra), which has been based in Dunfermline for almost two decades, the appliance will now journey around 6,000 miles to Paraguay which has encountered political unrest and economic challenge since it emerged from a 35-year dictatorship in 1989.
SFRS Chief Officer Martin Blunden and board chairman Kirsty Darwent met with IFRA chairman David Kay and the Paraguayan Ambassador to the UK, Sr Genaro Vincente Pappalardo.
Chief Officer Blunden said: “This appliance will assist volunteer firefighters in Paraguay to respond to protect communities when they are in greatest need and we will continue to support countries wherever possible through the provision of appliances and equipment.”
As well as donating appliances like Centurion, SFRS also donates old kit, such as gloves and helmets.
Chief Officer Blunden added: “The SFRS is committed to reducing our impact on the environment and this also presents us with an innovative opportunity to ensure our resources are re-used wherever appropriate.”
To date, IFRA has helped 21 countries worldwide over the past 18 years.
The charity has completed more than 70 training missions and sent 60 containers of equipment – with the 61st container due to be sent to Argentina next month.
The organisation, awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, has also set up four fire services – in Argentina, Liberia, Namibia and Romania – by providing them with vehicles, equipment and training.
“This appliance will make a massive difference. IFRA CHAIRMAN DAVID KAY
IFRA chairman Mr Kay explained: “This appliance will make a massive difference, not only to the volunteer firefighters but also the communities it will serve.
“SFRS have always been very supportive of us, in giving us vehicles, equipment and time.
“We are very partnership.
“Many countries are under-resourced and rely on volunteers.”
Centurion will start the journey to Paraguay from Tilbury Docks in Essex and then spend 30 days on a ship.
Thereafter it will spend some time in customs to arrive around 60 days later at its destination. proud of this