UK FRS to donate 15,000-plus pieces of firefighting equipment to Ukraine

*Photograph: FIRE AID

This eighth convoy adds to the 119 vehicles that have been donated, alongside 200,000 pieces of equipment, since the Russian invasion began.

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, while four are currently in captivity and another is missing.

Meanwhile, 411 firehouses and 1,700 fire vehicles have been destroyed. 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 to themselves.

In response, UK Fire and Rescue Services, in partnership with the UK Government, National Resilience, UK International Search and Rescue, FIRE AID, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Industry Association (FIA), have joined forces to support their Ukrainian counterparts.

English and Welsh Fire and Rescue Services have donated all of the appliances and kit for the eighth convoy, which ranges from basic firefighting equipment such as hoses through to PPE and road traffic collision equipment.

Among the 30 vehicles being donated are 26 fire engines. Around 100 volunteers, drawn from Fire and Rescue Services and FIRE AID, will participate in the convoy.

Standing with Ukraine

NFCC vice-chair and chair-elect Phil Garrigan said: “The entire UK Fire and Rescue Service community stands with our colleagues in Ukraine as they continue to put their lives on the line in the most challenging and dangerous conditions.”

Garrigan added: “This latest donation of fire engines and equipment will go some way towards replacing what has been lost to the full-scale war, providing critical support for firefighters who are working tirelessly to save lives and protect communities despite immense adversity.”

In conclusion, Garrigan noted: “We are incredibly proud to play a small, but nonetheless crucial role in ensuring that our colleagues have the resources they need to continue their vital work.”

Vitalii Myroniuk, first deputy head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, commented: “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.”

Myroniuk added: “Every Ukrainian rescuer works tirelessly to safeguard our statehood and our nation. We are able to endure thanks to our British friends who share our common values of freedom and the rule of law.”

Ongoing support

FIRE AID chair David O’Neill MBE observed: “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 is absolutely vital as the news about the conflict unfolds and changes daily. Recently, we welcomed our front line and political colleagues from Ukraine to the United Kingdom. The unimaginable challenges they face on a daily basis appear to be devastating.”

Further, O’Neill stated: “FIRE AID and its partners continue to work tirelessly to support Ukrainian firefighters. The statistics are staggering. More than 100 firefighters have lost their lives, with hundreds more injured. Our work is far from done. We remain committed to Ukraine and will continue to offer our unwavering support and assistance to its firefighters.”

FIA CEO Ian Moore OBE JP commented: “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.”

Moore added: “The FIA is honoured 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.”