A ZIMBABWEAN fire brigade has received some much needed firefighting equipment thanks to a team of volunteers.

Watch Manager Mike Dayson (CORR), who is based at Redcar Community Fire Station, was part of a 14-strong team, who delivered the equipment to the Bulawayo Fire Service, as part of Operation Florian.

As well as the firefighting equipment, which included three appliances, protective clothing, uniform, rescue equipment, breathing apparatus, along with decontamination, first aid and communications equipment, the team also passed on skills by training their counterparts in modern skills.

Mr Dayson said: “The experience I had in Zimbabwe is something I will never forget and is one of the most positive and rewarding experiences of my life. To work with such a well-organised charity and fellow firefighters who are so passionate and keen to learn was a true pleasure.

“The fire service in Zimbabwe works on the model of the British Fire Service as it was in 1980.

"The Bulawayo Fire Service serve a community of two million people with just four fire stations and until Operation Florian became involved they only had four breathing apparatus sets for 203 firefighters, no equipment to assist with road traffic collisions, plastic helmets, overalls and gardening gloves, with appliances dating back to the 1960s.

“Thanks to the charity they now have equipment and uniforms and we also spent our time over there to help train and develop their skills so they are able to tackle the wide range of incidents that occur.

“Since being back, the Bulawayo Fire Service attended a fire at a petrol station involving two tankers in which they used the appliances, equipment and new skills to successfully put it out.”

Mr Dayson added: “Although we achieved a great deal on this trip the work is far from over in Zimbabwe and many other countries around the world. Operation Florian is working in many areas and can only do so by the kind donations and assistance of Fire Services, fund raising and the commitment of both serving and retired members of the British Fire Service.”

Visit www.operationflorian.com for more details on the charity and how to donate.