Ref. 26030-09VICTIMS of fire are to be given some extra home comforts while they put their lives back together.
Smoke and water damage from even the smallest house fire can leave the rest of the home a no-go area.
Now victims in Wiltshire will be able to move into a motor home with all the mod cons, which will race to the scene in the event of an emergency.
"A house fire can be a traumatic experience," said Wiltshire Fire Brigade spokesman Andrew Hargreaves.
"People have a lot to cope with suddenly. There is a feeling that the fire has invaded their home, which is their own private space, and then they have firefighters running all over it too.
"The support vehicle will provide somewhere to go so they can get sorted out in private.
"Hopefully it will reduce the impact the fire has on their lives."
The Red Cross and Wiltshire Fire Brigade are to place the brand new Fire Victim Support Vehicle at Westlea Fire Station, to help families across Wiltshire whose houses have been damaged in blazes.
It is hoped the fully equipped motor home will be able to provide immediate comfort for its occupants.
The vehicle offers temporary shelter, washing and toilet facilities, phone communications, transport to temporary accommodation and a full range of replacement clothing.
"It's a great vehicle which will add an extra level of support for fire victims in the whole of Wiltshire," said brigade liaison officer Les Sharpe.
"There is already an excellent support scheme running in Swindon, which uses a number of local hotels, but the new vehicle will be able to attend incidents and provide care on site."
The appliance is part of a national scheme, but will not be used until drivers have been recruited to crew the vehicle.
To this end the Red Cross and Wiltshire Fire Brigade are looking for volunteer drivers, who will receive full training.
"We are looking for people who want to turn their spare time into care time by making themselves available to crew this important vehicle," said Red Cross co-ordinator Mike Shipman.
"Bringing the vehicle to Westlea, where it will be based, is an important way of making sure people in the area know about it and to encourage them to volunteer as crew members."
Volunteers are urged to contact Mr Shipman on 01380 730131 or to email mshipman@redcross.org.uk
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