Chapter Redden, bergen, pompen, puinruimen en spuiten

The fire brigade was the first to dispatch emergency teams to the disaster area and provide assistance day and night, thanks to its omnipresence and versatility. This meant that local, voluntary firefighters were probably among the first rescue workers to fall victim. This contribution thrusts the fire brigade as a rescue service during the flood into the spotlight. This shows both the initial and the subsequent assistance provided by local fire brigades and additional units from outside the disaster area. Research has shown that the role played by the Dutch fire service – not to mention the Italian fire brigade –was massive and hugely significant, especially considering they worked under very dire circumstances and with limited resources.