UK Fire and Rescue Services deliver life-saving support to Ukraine

Sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and FIRE AID, the convoy was delivered through a co-ordinated national partnership involving National Resilience, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), UK International Search and Rescue and Fire and Rescue Services from across England and Wales.

This latest convoy has delivered 21 fire vehicles (including 17 fire engines) and more than 2,300 pieces of essential firefighting equipment, helping to replace critical resources lost during the conflict with Russia. It brings the total UK contribution since 2022 to 169 vehicles and more than 220,000 pieces of equipment.

Previous donations from UK Fire and Rescue Services are realising a significant impact on the ground, with vehicles provided through earlier convoys responding to more than 6,000 incidents, and over 2,500 Ukrainian firefighters equipped with fully operational PPE and breathing apparatus.

Ukraine’s Fire and Rescue Service continues to face immense challenges. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 481 fire stations have been destroyed, with a further 106 located in occupied territories, and 1,792 fire vehicles lost. Since the full‑scale invasion began, 122 firefighters have been killed and 629 of them injured, with three still in captivity.

Despite these losses, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate on the front line, in turn saving lives, protecting infrastructure and responding to emergencies while under constant threat.

Volunteer involvement

The convoy was made up of approximately 80 volunteers from across the UK’s Fire and Rescue Service community giving their time to prepare and deliver the appliances and equipment.

Participating Fire and Rescue Services include Derbyshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Kent, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Mid and West Wales, North Wales, North Yorkshire, South Wales, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

NFCC chair Phil Garrigan said: “The UK’s Fire and Rescue Service community remains unwavering in its support for colleagues in Ukraine. Four years on from the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate in the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable.”

Garrigan continued: “This ninth convoy demonstrates the enduring commitment of the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian counterparts. The equipment being donated will help to replace vital resources lost during the conflict and ensure firefighters can continue their life-saving work.”

Further, Garrigan noted: “This is about firefighters supporting firefighters. It’s a powerful example of the friendship that transcends borders. We must always recognise the challenges our Ukrainian colleagues face and continue to play our part in supporting them.”

Extraordinary solidarity

FIRE AID’s Ukraine lead Oksana Romanukha commented: “We are once again witnessing the extraordinary solidarity of communities right across the UK with Ukraine. These vehicles and equipment are lifelines, helping to save lives, protect firefighters and strengthen the resilience of communities under constant threat.”

Romanukha added: “We are deeply grateful to everyone across the Fire and Rescue Services community, and all those involved, who have made this collective effort possible.”

Samantha Dixon (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy) explained: “Ukraine has faced unimaginable suffering and we remain unwavering in our support for the nation. This convoy is delivering the critical equipment needed to help Ukraine’s Fire and Rescue Service save lives, respond to attacks and protect communities.”

Dixon went on to state: “I’m immensely proud of the brave volunteers from across our Fire and Rescue Services, as well as all the organisations which have played a role in mobilising these vital assets. They’re making sure that vital support reaches those who need it the most.”