Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is taking part in the largest UK fire and rescue service convoy, which sets 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.

For the latest convoy TWFRS has donated first aid kit bags and heavy lifting kit (airbags and powershores).

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.

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.

Area Manager Andy Lillford, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The UK fire and rescue service community reaches out to our international colleagues as their core values mirror our own which is to keep people safe from harm.

“The surplus equipment and kit that we donated from Tyne and Wear will hopefully go a long way to helping the people and firefighters of Ukraine.”

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.”

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.”

The seventeen 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; and West Yorkshire.