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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.