Williton firefighter Ian Hall is heading Down Under as part of a UK mission working with other volunteers in Australia in the wake of the devastating bush fires.

He is part of a group of self-supporting serving and retired firefighters who have been helping with the aftermath of Storms Ciara and Dennis in the UK before they head off to the other side of the world.

The 59-year-old is hoping that his 35 years’ experience and wide skill set will make a difference as he works with Australian charity Blaze Aid to help run camps to aid those who have lost homes and properties in the fires that have devastated thousands of square miles down under.

Ian will be travelling as part of a small team for the first deployment of volunteers, chosen from hundreds of UK firefighters who made themselves available. With expected deployment scheduled for tomorrow, returning on April 5, Ian will link up with the others at Heathrow airport.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to serve in this way,” he said.

“It’s been heartbreaking to see the news and to know that people’s lives have just been turned upside down, and the wildlife have suffered immeasurably.”

With this trip being organised by charities and non-profit organisations, Ian is having to find his own funding for flights, equipment, transport on the ground and insurance – while his family goes without his earnings for the five weeks he is away. Ian has set a target of £1,850 to cover some of these expenses.

“If anyone can spare a few quid to help me get over there and offer whatever help I can, I would be grateful,” said Ian.

Whole communities, livelihoods and landscapes have been devastated. The volunteers are expecting to work 13-hour days, every day – helping people rebuild what has been lost.

Ian’s fundraising page is at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ian-hall-3.

Read more in tomorrow’s Free Press.