South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has donated eight decommissioned fire appliances to Ukraine as part of the ninth consecutive UK fire and rescue convoy supporting emergency services on the frontline of the ongoing conflict.
The donation formed part of a larger convoy of 17 vehicles from fire and rescue services across the UK, delivering essential resources to firefighters and communities affected by the war.
Alongside the fire appliances, the convoy also transported three vans, one prime mover and more than 2,355 pieces of firefighting equipment.
The 1,500 mile journey began in the UK before travelling through France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, ending in Poland. From there, the Polish Fire and Rescue Service transported the vehicles and equipment to the Ukrainian border.
Kyle Jones, an on call firefighter who volunteered as part of the convoy, said: “It makes me feel incredibly proud to have been a part of something so special and to help Ukraine. It was a long five-day journey, but it’s nothing compared to what the people of Ukraine face every day. It put things into perspective, and I’m incredibly proud to have made a difference.”
Before the convoy departed, volunteers welcomed His Excellency Ambassador Zaluzhnyi from the Ukrainian Embassy to a UK fire station, where he delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the ongoing support being provided to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Fire and Rescue Service continues to face significant challenges following the conflict with Russia, which began in 2022.
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 481 fire stations have been destroyed and a further 106 are located in occupied territories. Since the full scale invasion began, 122 firefighters have lost their lives and another 629 have been injured.
Group Manager Darren Cleaves, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service convoy organiser, said: “This is the fourth time we’ve taken part in the convoy to Ukraine, working alongside FIRE AID. With these eight appliances, the total number of decommissioned appliances donated to Ukraine over the last four years now stands at over 30. It’s vital that we continue to support our firefighting colleagues by providing the equipment they need to keep responding to emergencies.”
Sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and FIRE AID, the latest convoy brings the total UK contribution to 169 vehicles and more than 220,000 pieces of equipment.
The initiative aims to replace critical resources lost during the conflict and demonstrates how fire and rescue services across the UK are continuing to work together to support emergency responders in Ukraine.
