National Fire Chiefs Council Chair Mark Hardingham reflects on the “huge honour” of welcoming the UK International Search and Rescue Team back to the UK, following their deployment to Türkiye.

We witness some truly devastating scenes following the earthquake which hit both Türkiye and Syria. Once the call for assistance came to the UK government, UKISAR were quickly mobilised and deployed to help via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

During their time in Türkiye, we were receiving incredibly humbling and truly heroic account of the work the 77-strong undertook. One rescue took in the region of 20 hours, with rescuers having to tunnel via neighbouring buildings to reach survivors. This just goes to show their dedication, determination, courage and professionalism.

Accompanied by four search and rescue dogs, the team investigated hundreds upon hundreds of buildings, looking to reunite friends and family in the most difficult of conditions.

To see the plane land and the team arrive home safely was an emotional experience, they were greeted to a salute from fire engines, flowers and a reception which included a representative from the Turkish consulate and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.