Fire crews get flood rescue kit

Specialist water rescue teams are being created in Derbyshire.

Wet suits, rafts and boats are being added to the kit at the disposal of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Heavy rains have caused flooding for the past two summers and predicted climate changes could make such emergencies more common.

The fire service said it was important they had reliable equipment on hand to deal with emergencies which could develop in a short time span.

Training and support

Specialist teams will be created in Derby, Chesterfield and Buxton and a fourth location which is yet to be decided upon.

Other fire stations will get equipment and training to support the specialist teams.

Assistant chief fire officer Sean Frain said: "The fire and rescue service should be provided with the appropriate level of equipment and protection to be able to a rescue safely.

"Currently firefighters mobilised to water incidents have the dilemma of meeting public expectations without being provided with the appropriate equipment and training.

Chairman of Derbyshire Fire Authority councillor Paul Smith said: "Introducing a comprehensive rescue strategy will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to public safety at a time when the risk of flooding and other water related incidents is higher than ever before."