AFTER firefighters have put out a blaze, they often have to leave people in a distressed state before going back on call.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is one of only two in the country who have done something about it – creating a post fire support team.
The man behind the idea is Cheshire Fire employee Pete Chadwick who wanted to do something to help.
Pete, who works in community fire protection by day, said: “We don’t go out to serious fires but ones where people can get back into their homes after a clean and tidy.
“We look after the elderly, who can’t move fridges for example, to clear up soot from behind it after a fire, or to single parents who need a hand while looking after their children.
“If a sofa or mattress is burnt we can move it to the garden, every job is different.”
The service, which started running in June last year, is made up of volunteers who come from a mixture of backgrounds including some who work for Cheshire Fire.
The group of eight provide 24-hour cover across Cheshire on a rota system based in Winsford.
Pete, who often provides night time cover, added: “People are always very grateful once they realise they don’t have to pay for it!
“A smoke-filled room looks horrible but often it’s just a coating of soot and once it’s been cleaned up it’s fine.
“A lot of people are surprised to see us because they think they have to sort out everything themselves.”
The post support team are called out around three times a month and once a month to Warrington, spending two to three hours at each job.
The 57-year-old said: “When people have a fire, it’s very daunting and a couple of hours help can make a big difference.
“We give a lot of reassurance because people can be frightened to go back in their house after a fire because they think it will happen again.
“If they’re in a distressed state we can refer them to other agencies like Help the Aged.”
Cheshire Fire is looking for four more volunteers, particularly for day time cover, in the hope that eventually post support vehicles will be based in unitaries across Cheshire including Warrington and Halton.
Pete added: “If people are thinking about volunteering, I can’t think of doing anything better.
“It’s a job that’s very much appreciated by the community.”
E-mail volunteer co-ordinator clairebennett@cheshirefire.gov.uk for more details.
l The post fire support team do not attend incidents of arson or if a house is evacuated because of a gas leak and would not go into property if residents were not at home.
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