Over 15,000 items and 30 vehicles sent to support Ukraine fire services
A convoy of firefighting equipment coordinated by FIRE AID and its partners is departing from the UK to Ukraine, delivering over 15,000 pieces of donated equipment and 30 fire and rescue vehicles.
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the donations have come from 18 UK fire and rescue services, supported by HM Government.
The initiative is managed by FIRE AID, National Resilience and International Search and Rescue, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the NFCC, and the Fire Industry Association (FIA).
This is the eighth and largest convoy since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
The equipment will help replace firefighting resources lost during the war.
The State Emergency Services of Ukraine reports that 411 fire stations and 1,700 fire vehicles have been destroyed, with 100 firefighters killed and 431 injured.
UK fire services and government back the ongoing support
The appliances and equipment were donated entirely by fire and rescue services from England and Wales.
These include fire engines, hoses, personal protective equipment, and road traffic collision gear.
The UK Government has sponsored the convoy, with around 100 volunteers from fire and rescue services and FIRE AID involved in its delivery.
Alex Norris, Minister of State for Building Safety and Fire, said: “The UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine.
“Firefighters are in the war zone, risking their lives to protect communities under the most challenging conditions.
“This convoy delivers essential equipment to help them carry out their life-saving work, and we will continue to stand with them for as long as it takes.”
Ukrainian fire services continue operations despite heavy losses
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine has reported extensive damage and casualties among its firefighting teams.
Since the start of the invasion, 100 firefighters have died, four remain in captivity and one is missing.
Despite this, Ukrainian crews continue to respond to emergencies in active war zones.
According to FIRE AID, the convoys are intended to help these teams maintain essential services.
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.”
Sector-wide partnership provides long-term assistance
The convoy builds on earlier donations.
Since the war began, UK fire services and partners have delivered 119 fire and rescue vehicles and over 200,000 items of equipment to Ukraine.
Phil Garrigan, NFCC Chair, said: “We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Ukraine, as they continue to operate in extraordinarily difficult and dangerous conditions.
“This latest donation of fire engines and equipment will help replace some of what has been lost in the full-scale war.”
FIA Chief Executive Ian Moore OBE JP said: “Firefighters in Ukraine continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage under the most challenging circumstances.
“The FIA is honoured to support this vital initiative, ensuring that life-saving equipment reaches those who need it most.”
FIRE AID leads UK convoy delivering firefighting equipment to Ukraine: Summary
FIRE AID, with support from 18 UK fire and rescue services, has coordinated the departure of a convoy delivering 30 vehicles and over 15,000 pieces of firefighting equipment to Ukraine.
The NFCC confirmed the convoy includes donations from English and Welsh fire services and is supported by HM Government.
This is the eighth and largest such convoy organised since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the war has caused the destruction of 411 firehouses and 1,700 fire vehicles.
One hundred firefighters have been killed, and 431 injured.
Four firefighters are currently in captivity, and one remains missing.
Around 100 UK volunteers are participating in the convoy.
The initiative builds on prior donations totalling 119 vehicles and over 200,000 items.
The convoy was made possible through partnership between FIRE AID, National Resilience, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the NFCC, and the FIA.