East Sussex Fire and Rescue is joining a national convoy to deliver thousands of items of kit and equipment to support firefighters on the frontline in Ukraine
The Service is working with UK charity FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), which is coordinating donations of more than 5,000 items of fire and rescue equipment and PPE.
In total, eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts. East Sussex Fire and Rescue has donated various items of firefighting equipment including portable emergency lighting, hoses and rescue equipment.
Last week, an initial convoy of three fire engines and a lorry of PPE and rescue equipment was sent to Poland and this weekend, a subsequent convoy consisting of 22 vehicles and two lorries of equipment, donated by fire services across the UK will depart for Poland. 60 UK firefighters will join FIRE AID volunteers as part of the team driving the vehicles across Europe. The equipment will be received by the Polish State Fire Service and laterally transferred to Ukraine.
When it reaches Ukraine, 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. They are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people and property as the invasion devastates the country.
Real commitment and team effort
Keith Morris (ESFRS Station Manager- East) who is volunteering to drive one of the vehicles across Europe said “The opportunity for Fire Service colleagues to come together to provide support for the people of Ukraine is one that is very humbling. The deployment of vehicles and resources demonstrates a real commitment and team effort, and as soon as I was given the opportunity to assist, I was really keen to play my part.”
The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving.
Further information
For further information about Fire Aid, visit www.fire-aid.org or you can find them on social media @fire_aid_uk
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