Cheshire firefighters to deliver vital vehicles and equipment for Ukrainian firefighters

Three fire engines and a midi fire engine, donated by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, join the largest UK fire and rescue convoy yet, delivering vital vehicles and equipment for Ukrainian firefighters

Three fire engines and a midi fire engine, donated by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, join the largest UK fire and rescue convoy yet, delivering vital vehicles and equipment for Ukrainian firefighters

They are being taken by a team of 12 firefighters who have volunteered to make the seven-day round trip to the Polish State Fire Service, whose staff will then transfer the convoy on to Ukraine.  

A total of thirty-three fire and rescue vehicles, carrying more than 2,800 pieces of equipment have all been donated by UK fire and rescue services. The scale of this convoy is unprecedented. Amongst the 33 fire and rescue vehicles are 20 fire engines, eight incident command units, one aerial ladder platform, and one 4×4 vehicle.

Working with the charity Fire Aid, a number of English and Welsh fire and rescue services have donated the vehicles and an array of equipment which includes ladders, breathing apparatus sets, boats, fire and water rescue personal protective equipment and safe working at height kit. One hundred volunteers in total, drawn from the various fire and rescue services donating the vehicles and equipment and Fire Aid, are participating in the convoy.

The doors of the fire engines donated by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service bear the Service’s logo with the words ‘Supporting Ukraine’. Inside the drivers' cabs are stickers which read: “In solidarity and support of the people of Ukraine, from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service”. 

Chief Fire Officer Alex Waller said:

“We are proud to be able to provide more aid to support Ukrainian firefighters, they need equipment and vehicles so they can serve communities and save lives.  Fire stations across Ukraine have lost much of their equipment during the ongoing hostilities so being able to help in some small way is vital. We also want to let our Ukrainian colleagues know that they are not alone. Our thoughts remain with all of them who are protecting their communities in the most difficult of circumstances, and with those who have lost their lives, and their families, in the line of duty.”

Cheshire Fire Authority continually invests in new fire engines and specialist vehicles and keeps its equipment as up-to-date as possible.

Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority Cllr Stef Nelson said:

“We are only too pleased to be able to help our colleagues in Ukraine during what is truly a difficult time. Vehicles and equipment that is no longer in operational use will help support Ukrainian firefighters who are protecting their communities. On behalf of Cheshire Fire Authority I would like to send the people of Ukraine our very best wishes.”  

• * Figures correct as of 10 April 2024.

Ukrainian fire and rescue services have been decimated by the impact of the war and the demands placed upon them have skyrocketed. To date, 396 firehouses have been destroyed, with 92 more now in occupied territory. 1676 fire vehicles have been destroyed. 91 firefighters have been killed, with a further 349 injured, and five are held in captivity.

Meanwhile, the work of Ukrainian firefighters has grown significantly since the start of the war, with approximately 217,000 buildings destroyed or damaged, 18,270 fires eliminated and 4,975 people rescued.*

The equipment will be used to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers who are battling together on the front line, often using old or worn equipment. The have been dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to  save lives, people and property since the war started.