UK fire service convoy heads to Ukraine with lifesaving equipment

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 today, Saturday 19 March.

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.

Vehicles underwent final checks and the convoy departed Kent early on Saturday morning. The convoy will take approximately three days to arrive in Poland 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.

FIRE AID is a UK based NGO founded in 2013 as an initiative from EASST with core funding from UK Aid and The FIA Foundation and support from fire equipment suppliers. It was the Prince MIchael Premier Award winner in 2019 . It acts as a communications hub between member organisations, and between member organisations and donors to supply equipment, materials and funds and to develop best practice guidance for the delivery of emergency services aid