| HIAL has donated over 50 breathing apparatus sets and cylinders as well as personal protective clothing |
Fire fighters in poorer countries are set to receive life saving firefighting equipment thanks to a donation from Dundee Airport operator HIAL.
A large consignment of old but working firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment and breathing apparatus kits has been donated to Scottish charity International Fire & Rescue Association (IFRA) by HIAL’s 11 airports.
Over 50 breathing apparatus sets and cylinders, more than a hundred sets of personal protective clothing and various other types of equipment have been donated.
IFRA provides training and equipment to fire services in countries affected by poverty, war, civil unrest or natural disaster. The charity has recently sent missions to Palestine and Mexico and is currently planning missions to Paraguay and Bosnia.
Gary Johnstone, Watch Manager for Dundee Airport Fire Service, coordinated the charity effort. He is a member of IFRA and has previously led missions to Albania and Bosnia.
He said: “I know from my own experience that IFRA plays a hugely important role in support of fire services in some of the most vulnerable parts of the world. Having led past missions to countries like Albania, I know first hand that the equipment we have donated will make a real difference in helping to save lives.”
Dundee Airport Manager Derrick Lang said: “Gary has made a tremendous contribution to the work of IFRA over the years, sharing his expertise and gathering equipment in support of fire services across the world. HIAL’s airports are delighted to back this latest initiative.”