The largest UK fire and rescue service convoy is set to deliver more than 15,000 pieces of life-saving firefighting equipment to Ukrainian firefighters.
Donated by UK fire and rescue services, working with FIRE AID, the eighth convoy - including 26 donated fire engines - will make its way across Europe next month (April). This eighth convoy adds to the 119 vehicles that have been donated, alongside 200,000 pieces of equipment since the invasion began.
Full-scale invasion in 2022
The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on Ukrainian firefighters
The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on Ukrainian firefighters. Latest figures from the State Emergency Services of Ukraine show that since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, 100 firefighters have been killed and a further 431 injured, whilst four are currently in captivity and one is missing.
Meanwhile, 411 firehouses and 1,700 fire vehicles have been destroyed, and 95 firehouses are now in occupied territories. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate in the war zone - not to engage in combat, but to save lives and protect property, often at great personal risk.
Basic firefighting equipment
In response, UK fire and rescue services (FRSs), in partnership with the UK Government, National Resilience, UK International Search and Rescue, FIRE AID, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the Fire Industry Association (FIA), have come together to support their Ukrainian counterparts.
English and Welsh FRSs have donated all the appliances and kit for the eighth convoy, which ranges from basic firefighting equipment such as hoses, PPE and road traffic collision equipment. Among the 30 vehicles being donated are 26 fire engines. Around 100 volunteers, drawn from FRSs and FIRE AID, will participate in the convoy.
Latest donation of fire engines and equipment
English and Welsh FRSs have donated all the appliances and kit for the eighth convoy
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Vice-Chair and Chair-Elect, Phil Garrigan, said: “The entire UK fire and rescue community stands with our colleagues in Ukraine, as they continue to put their lives on the line in the most challenging and dangerous conditions."
“This latest donation of fire engines and equipment will go some way to replace that lost to the full-scale war, providing critical support to firefighters who are working tirelessly to save lives and protect communities despite immense adversity. We are incredibly proud to play a small but crucial role in ensuring that our colleagues have the resources they need to continue their vital work."
Life-saving missions
First Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Vitalii Myroniuk, said: “The people and Government of the United Kingdom were among the first to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine at a time when the whole world was uncertain whether we would endure the onslaught."
"Your support in the critical early days of Russia's invasion allowed us to replace outdated equipment with modern British technology, enabling us to carry out our life-saving missions more quickly and effectively in wartime conditions. We are immensely grateful for your solidarity and for understanding the challenges we face and the conditions in which we operate."
Unimaginable challenges
Myroniuk added: “Every Ukrainian rescuer works tirelessly to safeguard our statehood and our nation. And we are able to endure thanks to our British friends, who share our common values of freedom and the rule of law.”
FIRE AID Chair, David O’Neill MBE, said: "We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine; our fire family is committed to giving ongoing support and a lifeline in their time of need. This eighth convoy - the largest yet - is absolutely vital as the news about the conflict unfolds and changes daily. Recently we welcomed our frontline and political colleagues from Ukraine to the United Kingdom, the unimaginable challenges they face daily is devastating."
Unwavering support and assistance to firefighters
O’Neill added: "FIRE AID and partners continue to work tirelessly to support Ukrainian firefighters. The statistics are staggering; more than 100 firefighters have lost their lives, with hundreds injured. Our work is far from done. We remain committed to Ukraine and will continue to offer our unwavering support and assistance to their firefighters risking their lives daily."
Fire Industry Association (FIA) Chief Executive Officer, Ian Moore OBE JP, said: "Firefighters in Ukraine continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage under the most challenging circumstances. Every day, they put their lives on the line to protect their communities, often with limited resources and in the face of immense danger."
Life-saving equipment
Moore added: “The FIA is honored to support this vital initiative, ensuring that life-saving equipment reaches those who need it most."
"By working alongside our partners in the UK fire sector, we are not only providing essential tools but also reinforcing a message of solidarity. Our commitment to supporting our firefighting colleagues in Ukraine remains steadfast."
