A VOLUNTEER-LED service that supports people in the immediate aftermath of a fire is looking for new recruits in Wiltshire.

Trained volunteers from the British Red Cross fire and emergency support (FES) service respond around the clock to provide those affected with practical and emotional support.

It allows Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to concentrate on extinguishing the blaze.

Operating from a specially-adapted vehicle, volunteers provide emotional support, immediate temporary shelter and items such clothes, food, toiletries and pet supplies.

They can help find temporary accommodation and point victims towards other organisations for on-going assistance and advice.

The FES vehicle has recently relocated from Swindon to Warminster Fire Station.

Tony Bauer, from the Red Cross, said: “By moving our vehicle we aim to reach more vulnerable people in south and central Wiltshire.

“We are also launching a new FES lite service to cover rural or harder-to-reach places. FES lite volunteers will use their own vehicles and act as first responders. They will be able to get to an incident quickly, provide an initial assessment and call upon the full FES unit to assist if required. ”

Volunteers are being sought from across Wiltshire to join the team. For more information call 0117 301 2622 or email abauer@redcross.org.uk.