NFCC Press Release - 07/04/2025

• A convoy of UK fire and rescue services, coordinated by FIRE AID, and partners, is delivering 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, departed today.
• 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 services to stand in solidarity with their Ukrainian colleagues.

A convoy of UK fire and rescue services delivering over 15,000 pieces of life saving firefighting equipment to Ukrainian firefighters is leaving today. 30 fire and rescue vehicles, including 26 fire engines, will also be donated.

18 fire and rescue services from across the UK are participating in the convoy, organised by FIRE AID, National Resilience and International Search and Rescue (based out of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service), HM Government, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Industry Association (FIA). The convoy, which is the eighth and largest of its kind, is sponsored by the UK government. It will add to the 119 fire and rescue vehicles and 200,000 pieces of firefighting equipment that have already been donated 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.

English and Welsh fire and rescue services 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. About 100 volunteers, drawn from fire and rescue services and FIRE AID, will participate in the convoy.

The Minister of State for Building Safety and Fire, Alex Norris said:

"The UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine. Firefighters are in the war zone, risking their lives to protect communities under the most challenging conditions. This convoy delivers essential equipment to help them carry out their life-saving work, and we will continue to stand with them for as long as it takes."

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said:

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Ukraine, as they continue to operate in extraordinarily difficult and dangerous conditions. 

“This latest donation of fire engines and equipment will help replace some of what has been lost in the full-scale war, offering essential support to firefighters who are relentlessly striving to save lives and keep communities safe despite overwhelming challenges. We are deeply proud to contribute in a small but meaningful way to ensuring that our colleagues have the resources they need to carry out 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. 

"FIREAID 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."

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