LOCAL firefighters are set to brave more than just heat in a charity expedition that will take them right into the heart of war-torn Bosnia.

The trip is part of 'Operation Florian', a national aid service that donates fire engines and equipment to troubled countries.

Each trip the organisation makes costs around £50,000, most of which comes from charity work and donations, going towards buying surplus equipment and fire engines to give to the foreign crews.

Once in Bosnia volunteers will train the fire services to get them to the same standard as British crews.

Mick Doherty, station commander of Bamber Bridge fire station and the national chairman of Operation Florian, explained: "First of all we send small teams out to the country to assess how much training and equipment they need. Then when we are out there we teach them about firefighting, driving the vehicles, first aid up to the standard of British St John's ambulance services and all about the breathing apparatus."

Ian Hainsworth, an officer at Leyland fire station, is no stranger to the expeditions.

He said: "When the operation started in 1993 just one vehicle was used, but in May last year 14 fire engines went over to Bosnia.

"To take 14 vehicles across means we have to take around 60 people. We will be taking about six to ten people from Lancashire this October. I have been over quite a few times, and my partner Rose, a nurse at the Royal Preston Hospital, has been over every year since the project began."

Despite tensions in the troubled area, Ian is confident the group of volunteers can help. He said: "The area is quite volatile, and we have to be careful what we say sometimes, but we are providing a lifeline to the communities. We are looked upon very, very favourably."

Leyland fire station are hosting a charity car wash on Saturday, August 18, to raise money for the latest expedition.