Fire engines arrive in Chile (Jeremy Hilton)

Fire engines arrive in Chile

August 9, 2010 9:00 AM

Ruben Beltran (on left) and firefighters receive former Gloucestershire fire engines as they arrive in Chile

The two 1998 fire engines donated by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service have arrived in Chile.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jeremy Hilton, who arranged the donation, said the ship delivering the fire engines arrived at the Port of San Antonio on the 17th of July.

Jeremy Hilton said: "There was a problem with the documents, but staff at Gloucestershire Fire HQ, emailed extra documentation and the fire engines cleared customs on the 21st of July.

"The fire engines are now in the workshop being converted to left-hand drive before they are transported south to their new homes, around the 20th of August."

"The two communities that will receive the fire engines will take good care of them. The fire engines will help save lives on the other side of the world. The Chileans send a big thank you to the people of Gloucestershire."

Pitrufquen a rural community to the south of Temuco will receive one of the fire engines with Dalcahue on the island of Chiloe getting the second engine.

Ruben Beltran who saw the fire engines arrive said: "It is an emotional time. The fire engines exceed our expectations, they are real gems. Thank you very much on behalf of the people of Dalcahue and Pitrufquen."

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