London Fire Brigade donates firefighting equipment to Ukraine in national support effort

by Featured NewsPeople

UK support convoy delivers thousands of firefighting tools to Ukraine

Seven firefighters from London Fire Brigade have returned from Poland after participating in the largest UK fire service-led convoy to deliver life-saving firefighting equipment to Ukraine.

According to London Fire Brigade, more than 140 folding roof ladders, decommissioned Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) vans, breathing apparatus equipment, overalls and protective goggles were included in the donation.

The convoy involved over 100 UK fire and rescue personnel. It marked the eighth such operation since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in 2021.

Equipment gathered by London Fire Brigade teams for transport

In preparation for the convoy, teams from London Fire Brigade’s International Search and Rescue, Operations Support Centre and Technical Support Services co-ordinated to load the equipment onto three articulated lorries.

The trip was part of a wider collaboration between fire and rescue services across the UK.

The Brigade confirmed that this operation delivered 15,000 pieces of equipment to support Ukrainian emergency services.

London Fire Brigade expresses support for Ukrainian counterparts

Assistant Commissioner Operational Resilience and Control Patrick Goulbourne said: “The Brigade is proud to support this crucial initiative. It helps ensure that our Ukrainian colleagues are equipped and ready to respond safely in an emergency.”

Goulbourne added: “I’m also grateful that this equipment which has helped keep Londoners, and people across the UK safe, will now see a second life in service of the Ukrainian people.”

FIRE AID and partners maintain long-term support for Ukraine

David O’Neill MBE, FIRE AID Chair and former London Fire Brigade officer, also supported the convoy.

He 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.”

He added: “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.”

London Fire Brigade donates firefighting equipment to Ukraine in national support effort: Summary

Seven London Fire Brigade firefighters took part in a UK-wide convoy delivering firefighting equipment to Ukraine.

More than 140 roof ladders, two DIM vans and thousands of items of kit were transported.

The convoy involved over 100 UK fire personnel and delivered 15,000 items to Ukrainian firefighters.

This was the eighth convoy since 2021 and the largest organised by UK fire services.

London Fire Brigade worked with UK Government, National Resilience, UK ISAR, FIRE AID, NFCC and the Fire Industry Association.

David O’Neill MBE of FIRE AID said more than 100 Ukrainian firefighters have died and 431 have been injured.

Over 400 fire stations and 1,700 vehicles have been destroyed since the start of the conflict.

The donated equipment will support ongoing emergency operations in Ukraine.

UK fire and rescue services send largest convoy of firefighting equipment to Ukraine

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking News
Image copyright: FireAid

15,000 pieces of equipment to support Ukrainian firefighters

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has reported that UK fire and rescue services (FRSs) will send their largest convoy of donated firefighting equipment to Ukraine next month.

More than 15,000 pieces of equipment, including 26 fire engines, will be delivered as part of the eighth aid convoy since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

This initiative, led by UK FRSs in partnership with the UK Government, National Resilience, UK International Search and Rescue, FIRE AID, NFCC, and the Fire Industry Association (FIA), aims to provide essential resources to Ukrainian firefighters operating under extreme conditions.

Ukrainian firefighters continue to face heavy losses

Since 2022, 100 Ukrainian firefighters have been killed and 431 injured, according to figures from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

Four firefighters remain in captivity, while one is missing.

The war has also led to the destruction of 411 firehouses and 1,700 fire vehicles, with 95 firehouses now in occupied territory.

Despite these losses, firefighters continue their work, focusing on life-saving and property protection efforts in conflict zones.

UK firefighters and FIRE AID volunteers to deliver the convoy

The latest convoy, scheduled for April, will include 30 vehicles, 26 of which are fire engines.

Equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE), hoses, and road traffic collision tools has been donated by fire services in England and Wales.

Around 100 volunteers from FRSs and FIRE AID will participate in delivering the equipment across Europe to Ukraine.

NFCC Vice-Chair and Chair-Elect, Phil Garrigan, said: “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.”

UK and international fire organisations pledge continued support

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) Chief Executive Officer, Ian Moore OBE JP, highlighted the role of international collaboration in the effort.

“The FIA is honoured to support this vital initiative, ensuring that life-saving equipment reaches those who need it most,” he said.

FIRE AID Chair, David O’Neill MBE, added: “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.”

UK fire and rescue services send largest convoy of firefighting equipment to Ukraine: Summary

UK fire and rescue services, in partnership with FIRE AID and other organisations, will send their largest convoy of donated firefighting equipment to Ukraine in April.

The shipment includes more than 15,000 pieces of life-saving equipment and 26 fire engines.

The convoy is part of ongoing efforts to support Ukrainian firefighters, who have faced significant casualties and equipment losses since the 2022 invasion.

According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 100 firefighters have been killed, 431 injured, and 1,700 fire vehicles destroyed.

More than 100 UK volunteers will take part in delivering the equipment.

UK fire organisations, including the FIA and NFCC, have stated their ongoing commitment to providing aid to Ukrainian emergency responders.

EmiControls sends TAF Firefighting Robot to support Ukrainian firefighters

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentHealth and Safety

EmiControls, a company based in Italy, who design innovative firefighting solutions using water mist technology, has recently delivered a TAF firefighting robot to Ukrainian firefighters in collaboration with its local partner.

EmiControls have sent its TAF Firefighting Robot to enhance the safety of emergency responders in the war zone, where over 100 firefighters have already lost their lives and many others have been injured.

The handover of the TAF Firefighting Robot to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (DSNS) took place during an event attended by German Development Minister Svenja Schulze.

Innovative technology for enhanced safety

The TAF AirCore firefighting robot has been designed by EmiContols to tackle challenging scenarios. Its modular design and remote-control capability make the TAF AirCore suited for operations in crisis areas.

Equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras, the robot allows firefighters to operate from a safe distance of up to 300 meters. This protects them from dangers such as fires, explosions and firearms.

The aim is to support the work of firefighters and increase their safety under extreme conditions. The use of water mist enables targeted firefighting but also helps to suppress gas or smoke and create escape routes.

International cooperation for deployment in Ukraine

EmiControls is headquartered in Bolzano, Italy, and is part of the TechnoAlpin Group. The company develops solutions for firefighting, dust suppression and odor control using water mist technology, which is deployed worldwide. The TAF AirCore firefighting robot, distributed via Magirus GmbH, is based on the idea of using an air stream generated by a turbine to distribute water mist on a mobile platform, allowing for more efficient firefighting.

CEO OF EmiControls, Martin Eppacher’s statement

CEO of EmiControls, Martin Eppacher said of the delivery that: “Our goal is to provide innovative technologies that protect people in dangerous situations and make the work of emergency responders easier.”

TAF Firefighting Robot sent to Ukrainian firefighters by EmiControls: Summary

EmiControls have sent one of their TAF Firefighting Robots to Ukrainian firefighters, to help emergency responders feel safer.

UK fire and rescue services send largest convoy to aid Ukrainian firefighters

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking News

Launch of a historic convoy to aid Ukrainian firefighters

A convoy, organised by FIRE AID, embarked today from Kent, carrying essential fire and rescue equipment to Ukraine.

This marks the largest UK initiative of its kind to date, with 33 vehicles transporting over 2,800 pieces of equipment to aid Ukrainian firefighters.

The convoy includes fire engines, command units, and various other specialised vehicles.

The equipment has been donated by UK Fire and Rescue Services and supported by the Home Office.

The need for such aid has become critical as Ukrainian fire services face severe challenges, with numerous firehouses destroyed and many firefighters casualties of the conflict.

Unprecedented scale and support

The convoy’s scale and the collaboration involved underscore a significant undertaking by the UK fire and rescue community.

The Home Office, along with FIRE AID, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) National Resilience, and other organisations, have coordinated this mission to bolster the struggling Ukrainian fire services.

This effort builds on previous contributions, including 89 surplus vehicles and over 190,000 items of equipment delivered since the conflict escalated in 2022.

The partnership extends to the fire industry, with organisations like the Fire Industry Association playing a crucial role in gathering and dispatching the aid.

Continued commitment amid ongoing conflict

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the NFCC, reflected on the resilience of Ukrainian firefighters: “We have witnessed the sheer strength and resilience of Ukrainian firefighters since the day the war began.

“With the war continuing and the task before them increasingly challenging, the UK and international firefighter community will continue to provide support however we can.”

Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, commented on the initiative: “Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine has taken a toll on the brave people of Ukraine’s fire and rescue services, who have not just seen their equipment and buildings decimated, but also led to the loss of many heroic firefighter’s lives.

“We are now in the third year of this senseless conflict and today’s donation shows our determination to support the people of Ukraine remains as strong as ever.

“Every western country must do everything they possibly can – big and small – to help Ukraine defeat Russia’s invasion. We cannot allow aggression to win.”

IFSJ Comment

The international effort to support Ukrainian firefighters through these extensive donations highlights the global firefighting community’s solidarity.

This convoy delivers a message of unity and support to those at the front lines of a devastating conflict.

The ongoing commitment from UK fire and rescue services demonstrates a proactive approach to international aid, reflecting the best of humanity in times of crisis.

Ukraine receives vital water rescue equipment from UK

by Featured News

National Fire Chiefs Council and Maritime and Coastguard Agency partner for emergency aid

In an urgent response to a call from the Home Office, more than 2,000 items of water rescue equipment have been dispatched to Ukraine. This was made possible through a joint effort by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This crucial equipment is set to play a significant role in ongoing rescue operations in the region.

Disaster aftermath prompts rapid response

The donations from the fire and rescue services arrived following an urgent plea from the Home Office directed to NFCC’s National Resilience function. The aid will be employed by the State Emergency Services in Ukraine in their ongoing relief operations, particularly addressing the fallout from flooding triggered by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power station on 6th June.

Quick identification and preparation of supplies

In response to the Home Office’s request, fire and rescue services identified available resources within 48 hours. National Resilience arranged the collection of the equipment at a central location where it was prepared for transportation to Ukraine by UK International Search and Rescue. The process was supported by FireAID and the Fire Industry Association and the shipment was dispatched on 13th June.

The delivery comprises over 2,300 items from 28 fire services, including various types of rescue boats, water rescue sleds, water pumps and water rescue personal protective equipment.

Officials express pride and gratitude

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham expressed his gratitude and pride: “I’m proud of the fast response from fire and rescue services to provide boats and water rescue equipment to support emergency responders and communities in Ukraine. NFCC is grateful to our colleagues at HM Coastguard for partnering with us to support the request to this unfolding tragedy. National Resilience and fire and rescue services have worked tirelessly to ensure the equipment is able to leave the UK quickly; once again we stand in support of our colleagues in Ukraine.”

Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, Chris Philp, reiterated this sentiment: “This donation is a testament to our ongoing support of Ukrainian services and aid organisations, which are in desperate need of equipment following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam. I am immensely proud that we are once again supporting the recovery efforts in Ukraine by donating a further convoy of life-saving equipment, including 19 rescue boats.”

Director of HM Coastguard, Claire Hughes, underlined their commitment to assist in the rescue efforts: “As a key partner in flood response, NFCC made contact with HM Coastguard to ask if we could offer any additional support, to assist ongoing rescue efforts in Ukraine. We have provided Water Rescue Buoyancy aids, rescue throwlines and water rescue stretchers, these are all key resources for flood response and will complement the equipment provided by the Fire and Rescue Services. We understand that this is an urgent and fast-moving situation and are pleased to able to work with key partners to offer support to fellow rescuers working in very challenging conditions.”

Ukraine’s gratitude

Head of the State Emergency Service in Ukraine, Serhiy Kruk, expressed his gratitude: “We are extremely grateful to our British friends for quickly finding and sending the necessary water rescue equipment to support the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in this time of need. When we are united, we are invincible. And with such friends as the British people and the government – we will definitely win.”

Lord Greenhalgh thanks fire industry for Ukraine convoy

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

Lord Greenhalgh, the Minister of State for Building Safety and Fire at the Department for Levelling Up, Communities & Housing and Home Office, has expressed his gratitude to the fire industry for their commitment and time in providing the 22 vehicle convoy to Ukraine in a letter to the Fire Industry Association

FIA CEO Ian Moore has received a letter from Lord Greenhalgh, thanking the fire industry for their commitment to providing much-needed fire and rescue equipment to Ukraine after the industry sent a the largest ever single donation of fire and rescue equipment from the UK. 

The Minister stated “The success of the convoy in delivering sorely needed equipment exemplifies what can be achieved when fire and rescue services, the charity and industry sectors, and government work together – and is a testament to your commitment and dedication.”

Lord Greenhalgh continued: “I have been particularly impressed by the scale of the collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders; not only between the fire and rescue services, FireAid and the industry sector, but also the NFCC, the National Resilience Assurance Team in Merseyside, which co-ordinated the activities of the services, UK ISAR and officials in Cabinet Office and Border Force who worked so hard to speed up the administrative processes.”

He concluded “I would also like to pay homage to the fire and rescue services generally for their generosity in donating this quantity of equipment in support of their fire and rescue colleagues in Ukraine.

“I hope you all take pride in what you have achieved in making this convoy happen in support of the Ukrainian fire and rescue services and the Ukrainian people.”