SIX LANCASHIRE firefighters are in Japan helping the rescue operation after the massive earthquake and tsunami that has left thousands dead.

The group, part of the 63-strong UK International Search and Rescue team, arrived in the US Airforce base of Misawa in sub-zero temperatures today.

After a briefing with their counterparts from other countries, the team, which also includes a sniffer dog trained to detect live casualties, were allocated an area to perform a ‘methodical sweep’ to search for survivors.

The Lancashire contingent includes Andy Barnes, a former crew manager at Blackburn and Burnley fire stations.

The Oswaldtwistle resident has retired as a firefighter but continues to take part in search and rescue missions, including last year’s trip to Haiti, as a volunteer.

Also in the party are Mark Noblet, from Fulwood, Graham Mossop, from Halton, Jim Davison, from Lancaster, Darren Kyle, from Morecambe and Andy Hayes, from Bamber Bridge.

The UK’s team brought 11 tonnes of specialist equipment to Japan to help in the search for survivors.

This included lifting and cutting equipment which can remove concrete and rubble from collapsed buildings and tools which can penetrate reinforced concrete and metal to gain access to victims.

Specialist listening devices and cameras will help locate casualties trapped in the wreckage, and the specialist dogs can sometimes detect casualties even when the hi-tech electronic devices cannot.

The team can expect to be deployed for 10 to 14 days and will be completely self-sufficient.

Allan Knox, a Clitheroe councillor and Fire Authority member, said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of Lancashire’s team.