Palestinian crews get UK training

Conflict between Israel and the Palestinians flares up frequently

A crew of Palestinian firefighters, who have not been trained since 1986, have come to the North West to learn some new skills.

The eight men, from Nablus, are being trained on new equipment in fire stations in Bolton, Greater Manchester and Chorley in Lancashire.

Collapsing buildings, traffic accidents and house fires are some of the incidents they are training for.

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) said the aim was "to pass on its knowledge".

Kevin Brown, of the FBU, said: "Constant training is vital, but these crews have not been trained for over two decades.

"For example, we use a positive pressure ventilation system when we go to house fires, which helps clear the air quicker.

They want to learn and become self-sufficient, so they can go back to their country and train their colleagues up FBU, Kevin Brown

"However, used incorrectly, it can actually enhance the fire - which is what Palestinian firefighters have managed to do in the past.

"We have trained them on how to stabilise vehicles in road traffic accidents to make sure the victims are secure. In the past, they said, they would take the car apart before making sure it is stable - causing further injuries."

The Nablus crews are being trained on fire investigation techniques in Washington Hall training centre in Chorley, and they are being trained to 'train the trainer' in Bolton.

Mr Brown added: "They want to learn and become self-sufficient, so they can go back to their country and train their colleagues up."

Nablus fire department employs 72 firefighters at three fire stations in the city, which has a population of 300,000 people, including four refugees camps.