A HIGHLY-skilled Hampshire firefighter has travelled to Bangladesh to tackle fatal fires that are destroying a refugee camp.

Fire Protection Officer Richard North, who is usually based between stations in Southampton and Eastleigh, was one of three firefighters selected from across Europe to assist the country’s emergency services.

He is also a former paramedic and will offer his skills to prevent further damage to the Asian refugee camp, which shelters almost a million people.

Richard, also known as ‘Ollie’, said: “This job will be hugely challenging but I am excited at having such an opportunity to save lives and improve the quality of life for so many people.

“It is a testament to the training and development I have been given by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service that I am able to help in this way.”

The firefighter was selected due to being a member of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) teams.

Previously he was chosen to assist in the aftermath of the New Zealand earthquake in 2011 and the Indonesia earthquake in 2009.

This trip comes after his ISAR colleague, Watch Manager Simon Forster, from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, travelled to the area as part of a the UK’s Emergency Medical Team.

Group manager Jerry Leonard said: “The fact that two of our team have been handpicked to help with the Bangladesh refugee crisis is a reflection of the skills of the individuals and the training and excellence in the service.

“These two highly skilled individuals, picked from across the country, have a huge impact in disaster situations like this and their efforts save lives in the most challenging of situations.”

Richard is expected to fly back on December 23.