Vital equipment has been donated by West Yorkshire firefighters to help those battling to save lives in Ukraine.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has added to the special convoy that left the UK this weekend to head to Poland. Once it arrives the equipment will be handed over to the Polish State Fire Service, with support from Germany en route, to help support firefighters in Ukraine.
boats and PPE
Among the equipment are six inflatable boats and a box of PPE equipment donated by the teams at WYFRS. This is the fourth Fire and Rescue Service road convoy to leave the UK, providing vital life-saving equipment to firefighters in Ukraine.
Earlier in 2022, WYFRS sent a lorry packed with hoses, fire kit, ladders, and other equipment which joined one of the convoys.
life-saving equipment
UK Fire and Rescue Services and the fire sector have donated 69 fire appliances and tens of thousands of items"
Dave Teggart, Area Manager in charge of operational support, said, “This vital equipment is going to end up in Ukraine in the next few days and we wish all our brothers and sisters over there good luck with the firefighting work they are continuing to do."
He adds, "To date, UK Fire and Rescue Services and the fire sector have donated 69 fire appliances and tens of thousands of items of life-saving kit and equipment.”
Convoy inclusions
The convoy left Kent includes eight fire appliances, which are driven by fire and rescue service volunteers - a four-by-four vehicle, hydraulic cutters, and a range of PPE including helmets, clothing, boots, and eye protection.
Also, ladders, radios, dry suits, inflatable boats, and generators are among the kits being donated.
serviced and checked equipment
The donated equipment covers a wide range of kit, which is in good, working order, and all vehicles"
AM Teggart said, “The donated equipment covers a wide range of kit, which is in good, working order, and all vehicles have been serviced and checked before the convoy sets off."
He adds, "As the war continues to devastate Ukraine several firefighters have sadly lost their lives, and equipment has been destroyed. These donations, requested by Ukraine, will support its fire and rescue service as they continue their life-saving work in the most difficult conditions imaginable.”
The latest figures from Ukraine
- 1,671 destroyed fire vehicles
- 267 destroyed firehouses
- 144 firefighters were hurt
- 108 firehouses are in occupied territories
- 43 firefighters killed
- 8 firefighters in captivity
Organizer
The convoys are organized by UK charity FIRE AID and International Development, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), National Resilience (NR), International Search and Rescue (ISAR) EASST, and the wider fire industry.
The convoys have also been supported by the Home Office and other government departments.