Northamptonshire firefighters taking on "the most challenging of additional roles" during Covid-19 crisis

Firefighters in Northamptonshire are bolstering co-ordinated efforts to cope with the Covid-19 crisis by driving vehicles transporting victims to the county's temporary mortuary.

The local Fire and Rescue Service is already on stand-by to provide help to the under-pressure East Midlands Ambulance Service crews as the coronavirus pandemic continues to stretch resources across the region.

And Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey saluted the way his own frontline staff have risen to their latest challenge after answering pleas to help from the Government and Northamptonshire's Local Resilience Forum, which co-ordinates the county’s response to the Covid 19 emergency.

Nine more deaths were today (Wednesday April 29) confirmed in Northamptonshire's two main hospitals taking the grim total to 243 since the outbreak first hit the county on March 3, Many more have died in care homes and in the community.

Mr Dovey said: “I am incredibly proud of the sensitive way in which firefighters have taken on this most challenging of additional roles.

"Northamptonshire firefighters and staff have been asked by the Government to do more and they have stepped up, while continuing to respond to emergencies and carry out vital fire prevention work.

"I would like to assure any families who find their loved ones in this sad situation that we are carrying out this task to the very best of our abilities.”

The County Council built a temporary mortuary with capacity for 1,100 victims on the site of a former household waste recycling centre at Wollaston.

Firefighters have ensured the work transferring victims from hospitals at Northampton and Kettering is done with respect for the families and for the dignity of those who have died.

County Council leader Matt Golby said: “This highlights just one example of the great partnership working that is happening in Northamptonshire in order to deliver the response to Covid-19 that is needed.

"Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has been fantastic in their commitment and support, staff there are playing a vital and important role at a very challenging time.”

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