Search and Rescue Team From Burnaby Arrives Home After Aiding Turkish Relief Efforts

A woman embraces a member of the Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue Team as they are greeted by members of the Turkish Canadian community upon arrival from Turkey at Vancouver International Airport, in Richmond, B.C., on Feb. 14, 2023. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

A volunteer search and rescue team that self-deployed to Turkey’s earthquake zone has returned to Vancouver to a hero’s welcome after spending days combing through the rubble as part of the international lifesaving efforts.

The 10-person Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue team, comprised of mostly first responders from the city’s fire department, flew to Turkey with the blessing of the country’s government.