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Morecambe firefighter joins rescue effort after earthquakes kill thousands

Devastation in Turkey following the earthquakes. Photo from Sky News.

A Morecambe firefighter has joined the search and rescue effort after devastating earthquakes killed thousands of people in Turkey and Syria.

Jim Davison, a fire crew manager from Morecambe, has been deployed to Turkey as the death toll from Monday's earthquakes reached 5,000.

Rescuers are racing to save hundreds of people trapped beneath the rubble after thousands of buildings collapsed in both countries.

Jim (pictured below) is flying out with Lancashire Fire and Rescue colleagues Wayne Ward from Preston, Chris Jowett from Blackburn, and Lindsey Sielski, Jon Hardman and Adam Varey from Chorley, along with search dogs Davey and Sid.

The earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 magnitudes has led to the deployment of the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) team. The team is made up of volunteers from 15 fire services nationwide, who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Here is the UKISAR team pictured before they left.

UKISAR respond to humanitarian accidents and disasters worldwide and provide a search and rescue facility. 

Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnston said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria who have been affected by the two dreadful earthquakes.

“I wish our firefighters all the best as they arrive in Turkey. They will be working in very challenging circumstances to try and rescue people who may still be trapped. 

“I have the utmost respect for them. I know they will show their dedication, compassion, professionalism and skill.”

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