Nottinghamshire firefighters from Newark, Collingham and Southwell deliver meals to their communities

Firefighters from Newark, Collingham and Southwell have started delivering meals in their communities ­— with 108 going out on the first day, despite also having to deal with call-outs.

Households had a surprise when a fire engine from one of the three stations rolled up outside.

The meals were prepared at Carriages Café at Newark Castle Station ready to be delivered in the Newark, Little Carlton, Southwell, Bleasby and Collingham areas.

Both wholetime and retained crews were involved in the effort, which is set to continue.

The delivery runs were interrupted by four fire calls that were received, but were still completed.

Crew manager Simon Turley, of Newark’s Blue Watch, said four engines were involved with the deliveries.

“The recipients have loved having a fire engine turn up on their doorstep,” he said.

“It’s been a bit of a surprise because they have no idea in advance how their food is going to be delivered to them.

“We are enjoying being out in the community, giving something back for all of the wonderful support we always receive from people.”

Of the 108 meals delivered, some were multiples that went to the same households in self-isolation as part of the lockdown.

Firefighters across the East Midlands have begun to drive ambulances, deliver food and medicines, and move bodies, as part of efforts to support their communities and other emergency services during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new areas of work have been agreed between the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and fire and rescue services in the East Midlands after a national agreement was reached between the union, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and national employers in March.

The FBU in the East Midlands has secured appropriate training and personal protection equipment for firefighters undertaking the work, while risk assessments for all three activities have been agreed to ensure firefighters’ health and safety.

Some fire and rescue services have already started the additional work.

Firefighters in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire are delivering food and medical supplies, while firefighters in Northamptonshire have begun moving the bodies of those who have died of coronavirus.

Firefighters in all five fire services in the East Midlands have begun training to drive ambulances to assist East Midlands Ambulance Service.

On April 13, the FBU revealed that nearly 3,000 fire and rescue staff across the UK, including those on the front line, were having to self-isolate because of the virus.

Pressure placed on the Government by the FBU has now seen covid-19 testing made available to fire and rescue personnel, alongside NHS staff.

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