Appeal to return fire equipment

Sinn Féin councillor and New Lodge community worker has called on young people to return equipment stolen from a fire service vehicle over the Easter holiday period.
"The Fire Service were on a call-out to a fire at Oisín House when the equipment was stolen," said Tierna Cunningham of the Tar Isteach youth project.
"I have been contacted by the Fire Service to see could I find out anything about the whereabouts of the equipment, a key which turns on and off fire hydrants in the area.
"The Fire Service are concerned that a young person could be hurt if they open the water mains with this tool and that they could cause flooding or reduce water pressure in the area which could place other homes at risk in the event of a fire."
Two young people from Tar Isteach Youth, Fionnuala and Donal Staunton, recently completed training with the Fire Service in the Westland Station. They backed Tierna Cunningham's appeal for the key to be returned.
"The Fire Service provide an invaluable and essential service to all. It's very disappointing that someone in this community stole the key while fire fighters were tackling a fire in the area," said Fionnuala Staunton
"The misuse of this key could put people's lives at risk and I back Tierna's call for it to be returned immediately."
George Ramsey a Watch Commander with the Fire and Rescue Service emphasised that this equipment is vital to enable fire crews to access water supplies during fire fighting operations.
He also expressed concern that improper use of this equipment could result in serious injury or damage to property due to localised flooding and that water supplies required for fire fighting could be adversely affected.
Watch Commander Ramsey appealed for the urgent return of the equipment and expressed his thanks to Tar Isteach Youth for their efforts and support.
For more information contact Tierna Cunningham on 079 6693 0522 or George Ramsey at Westland Fire Station.