In February 2017 South Wales Fire & Rescue Service (SWFRS) were delighted to form a partnership with FIRE AID (Aid and International Development).

In February 2017 South Wales Fire & Rescue Service (SWFRS) were delighted to form a partnership with FIRE AID (Aid and International Development).

SWFRS recognised the great work that has been carried out by FIRE AID and its members since it was established in 2012, donating equipment, training and expertise to over 30 countries around the world.

In making this decision SWFRS has always considered the most important factor when donating appliances is that they will be put to their intended use and by donating through FIRE AID we feel that we have an ethical and environmentally friendly route to ensure that the equipment and appliances that we deem to be end of life can be put to good use serving the communities and people in countries facing the greatest challenges.

FIRE AID’s ethical donation policy and its unique equipment database https://www.fire-aid.org/equipment-database were important factors in the decision to donate SWFRS equipment to FIRE AID. The FIRE AID database has been developed to ensure that donations are located within areas of greatest need. Donated equipment will also be matched with appropriate training to ensure safe and stainable emergency services in all destination countries. 

Area Manager Steve Rossiter stated that “The effective management of end of life appliances and equipment  has always been a priority for the Service. Our partnership with FIRE AID provides SWFRS with confidence that these assets are being put to the best use and remain a useful asset for others”.  

Julie Utting, FIRE AID Coordinator, said we were delighted to have received notification that SWFRS wanted to donate equipment and we want to thank SWFRS for their generous donation. This is the first time that a UK Fire & Rescue Service has donated its entire end of life equipment to FIRE AID. We hope that other organisations may recognise the benefits in donating to FIRE AID and we would welcome the opportunity to meet with them at this year’s Emergency Services Show or at any other time. For more information on FIRE AID or how to donate equipment visit the website www.fire-aid.org or contact Julie Utting at julie@fire-aid.org

Statement issued by South Wales FRS, published 4th Septmeber 2017