UK Fire and Rescue Services have successfully delivered a ninth convoy of firefighting equipment to Ukraine, continuing their long-standing commitment to supporting the country's emergency response capabilities.

The convoy departed the UK on 29 June and arrived at the Polish border with Ukraine on 2 July, where the vehicles and equipment were formally handed over to Ukrainian partners as part of a co-ordinated transfer.

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

This latest deployment included 21 fire vehicles, including 17 fire engines, together with more than 2,300 items of essential firefighting equipment. The resources will help replace equipment lost during the ongoing conflict and strengthen the operational capability of Ukraine's Fire and Rescue Service.

Since the first convoy in 2022, UK Fire and Rescue Services have donated a total of 169 vehicles and more than 220,000 items of firefighting equipment in support of Ukraine.

Previous donations have already made a significant operational impact. Vehicles supplied through earlier convoys have attended more than 6,000 incidents, while over 2,500 Ukrainian firefighters have been equipped with operational personal protective equipment (PPE) and breathing apparatus.

The challenges facing Ukraine's Fire and Rescue Service remain considerable. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 481 fire stations have been destroyed, with a further 106 located in occupied territories. In addition, 1,792 fire vehicles have been lost since the full-scale invasion began. During this period, 122 firefighters have lost their lives, 629 have been injured, and three remain in captivity.

Despite these challenges, Ukrainian firefighters continue to respond to emergencies, protect communities and critical infrastructure, and carry out their duties under exceptionally difficult conditions.

Volunteer support

Around 80 volunteers from across the UK's Fire and Rescue Service community gave their time to prepare and deliver the vehicles and equipment, demonstrating the sector's continued commitment to supporting colleagues in Ukraine.

The participating Fire and Rescue Services were Derbyshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford & 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.”

*Further information is available online at www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk

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