Published 19 March 2025

UK Fire and Rescue Services to donate over 15,000 pieces of essential firefighting equipment to Ukraine

  • The largest convoy of UK fire and rescue services, coordinated by FIRE AID, and partners, is set to deliver vital firefighting equipment to Ukrainian firefighters, helping to replace crucial resources lost during the ongoing war.
  • 30 fire and rescue vehicles, carrying more than 15,000 pieces of equipment, donated by UK fire and rescue services and supported by HM Government, will depart next month (April).
  • Ukrainian fire services continue to suffer heavy losses, with 411 firehouses destroyed, 1,700 fire vehicles lost, and 100 firefighters killed since the start of the full scale invasion.*
  • The convoy underscores the ongoing commitment of UK fire and rescue services to stand in solidarity with their Ukrainian colleagues.

The largest UK fire and rescue service convoy is set to deliver more than 15,000 pieces of life saving firefighting equipment to Ukrainian firefighters.

Donated by UK fire and rescue services, working with FIRE AID, the eighth convoy – including 26 donated fire engines – will make its way across Europe next month (April).

This eighth convoy adds to the 119 vehicles that have been donated, alongside 200,000 pieces of equipment since the 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, whilst four are currently in captivity and one is missing. Meanwhile, 411 firehouses and 1,700 fire vehicles have been destroyed, and 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.

In response, UK fire and rescue services (FRSs), in partnership with the UK Government, National Resilience, UK International Search and Rescue, FIRE AID, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the Fire Industry Association (FIA), have come together to support their Ukrainian counterparts.

English and Welsh FRSs have donated all the appliances and kit for the eighth convoy, which ranges from basic firefighting equipment such as hoses, PPE and road traffic collision equipment. Amongst the 30 vehicles being donated are 26 fire engines. Around 100 volunteers, drawn from FRSs and FIRE AID, will participate in the convoy.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Vice-Chair and Chair-Elect, Phil Garrigan, said:

“The entire UK fire and rescue community stands with our colleagues in Ukraine, as they continue to put their lives on the line in the most challenging and dangerous conditions.

“This latest donation of fire engines and equipment will go some way to replace that lost to the full-scale war, providing critical support to firefighters who are working tirelessly to save lives and protect communities despite immense adversity. We are incredibly proud to play a small but crucial role in ensuring that our colleagues have the resources they need to continue their vital work.”

First Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Vitalii Myroniuk, said:

“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.”

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

FIRE AID Chair, David O’Neill MBE, said:

“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 – the largest yet – is absolutely vital as the news about the conflict unfolds and changes daily. Recently we welcomed our frontline and political colleagues from Ukraine to the United Kingdom, the unimaginable challenges they face daily is devastating.

“FIRE AID and partners continue to work tirelessly to support Ukrainian firefighters. The statistics are staggering; more than 100 firefighters have lost their lives, with hundreds injured. Our work is far from done. We remain committed to Ukraine and will continue to offer our unwavering support and assistance to their firefighters risking their lives daily.”

Fire Industry Association (FIA) Chief Executive Officer, Ian Moore OBE JP, said:

“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.

“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.”

 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • * Figures correct as of 17 February 2025.
  • Details of the date and location of departure are not being announced at this stage for the purposes of security. Any media wishing to cover the departure/return of the convoy can contact the NFCC communications team (contact info below).
  • The convoy has been organised through a partnership of 16 fire and rescue services from England and Wales, the Home Office, National Resilience, International Search and Rescue, FIRE AID, National Fire Chiefs Council, and the Fire Industry Association.
  • Approximately 100 volunteers from FRSs and FIRE AID will take part in the convoy.
  • 17 fire and rescue services from England and Wales are participating in the convoy, these are:
    • Buckinghamshire
    • Cheshire
    • Durham & Darlington
    • Essex
    • Hampshire and Isle of Wight
    • Hereford and Worcester
    • Humberside
    • Lancashire
    • London
    • Merseyside
    • Norfolk
    • Northumberland
    • South Wales
    • Staffordshire
    • Tyne & Wear
    • West Midlands
    • West Yorkshire
  • Amongst the 30 vehicles being donated are 26 fire engines, two detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) vehicles, and two 4×4 vehicles. Four articulate lorries will also be used to transfer equipment. These are surplus equipment. Fire and rescue services have accounted for their own local needs and prioritised local safety before making these donations.
  • The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is a charity and an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to help them to save lives and keep their local communities safe.
  • National Resilience is responsible for the mobilisation, coordination and monitoring of National Resilience (NR) assets in response to significant, serious or catastrophic incidents. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service assumed the lead authority role for National Resilience on behalf of the Home Office in 2016.
  • FIRE AID is an umbrella organisation of fire and rescue NGOs carrying out humanitarian projects in low and middle-income countries. Its members deliver ethical and sustainable donations of decommissioned but usable fire and rescue equipment  such as fire appliances, vehicles, rescue boats and kit, which may have otherwise been scrapped. This includes 11 fire engines and other equipment donated to fire services in Ukraine pre the Russian full-scale invasion.
  • The Fire Industry Association (FIA) is the UK’s largest fire protection trade association, representing over 1,200 members. As a not-for-profit, we provide essential fire safety training, technical support, and industry guidance. The FIA works to shape legislation and professional standards, ensuring the continual advancement of fire protection methods and best practices.