The National Fire Chiefs Council Announces UK Fire Service Convoy Now In Poland, On Its Way To Hand Over Life-Saving Equipment To Ukraine

The biggest UK fire service convoy – made up of 22 vehicles and more than 5,000 items of kit and equipment, donated by UK fire and rescue services, has been deployed to support firefighters in Ukraine, on Saturday, March 19, 2022. 

More than 60 volunteers from FIRE AID and fire and rescue services are taking the convoy into Poland. It will then make its way into Ukraine, providing vitally needed equipment to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers, battling together on the frontline.

UK fire service convoy for Ukraine

When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support emergency services

Vehicles underwent final checks and the convoy departed from Kent, in the United Kingdom, early on Saturday morning, on March 19, 2022. The convoy will take approximately three days to arrive in Poland, from where it will be transferred to Ukraine.

When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support emergency services, which are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people and property as the invasion devastates the country, often using old or worn equipment.

Convoy includes fire engines and incident response unit

Coordinated by UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the fire industry through the Fire Industry Association (FIA), the 22-strong vehicle convoy includes 15 fire engines, an incident response unit, a hydraulic rescue platform, mechanical support for the journey, and two lorries containing equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras, generators, lighting, hoses, and thousands of sets of PPE. 

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the UK Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving.

Fire sector played key role in deployment

The wider fire sector, including the MSA Safety, the Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the Fire and Rescue Suppliers (FIRESA) Association and the Fire Industry Association (FIA), are also key partners in supporting and making the deployment of the life-saving equipment to Ukraine.

I am so proud of everyone involved and so grateful for the support of our project partners"

Claire Hoyland, the Project Manager at FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), said “We’re calling this a mega convoy, as it is not only mega in size, but it has been truly a monumental effort from all involved. Within two weeks we have put together the biggest ever donation of aid from UK Fire and Rescue services.”

She adds, “I am so proud of everyone involved and so grateful for the support of our project partners, including EASST, NFCC, and the Home Office, along with many others who have contributed time, money, and assistance.”

FIRE AID members working in Ukraine for a long time

Claire Hoyland further said, “FIRE AID members have been working in Ukraine for more than a decade. We have a number of friends and colleagues within the Ukrainian fire service, who are battling fires and responding to emergencies on the front line. We know that this donation is much needed and we are proud to be able to help in whatever way we can.”

The Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Mark Hardingham said “To see the convoy of fire vehicles - packed with thousands of pieces of firefighting equipment, start its journey was incredibly humbling. Every firefighter and volunteer involved should be immensely proud of how their amazing work is making this a reality.”

Firefighting kits for Ukrainian emergency services

Mark Hardingham adds, “This firefighting kit will soon be with Ukrainian emergency services, helping our firefighter colleagues to save lives and protect their local communities – often while under devastating attacks.”