Firefighters save seven people from sleeping rough on Sheffield streets

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's headquarters on Eyre Street was converted last night so people could stay there while temperatures plummeted.

Red Cross volunteers were on hand, as well as Framework’s Street Outreach Team and Sheffield City Council’s Housing Solutions service, which helps people to access accommodation and support.

A spokesman for SYFR said seven people were prevented from sleeping on the streets.

The imitative will continue tonight and on Sunday night.Tony Carlin, area manager at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Helping people in need and saving lives is core to our mission as a fire service, so it made perfect sense for us to answer the call for emergency accommodation ahead of winter warnings this weekend.“This initiative provides comfort, warmth and shelter for rough sleepers and the homeless and is a clear example of public agencies working together to help some of the most vulnerable people in our area.

“We intend to repeat this next winter and during any other spells of particularly severe weather as we continue to do what we can as a fire service to make our communities safer.”