15,000 PIECES OF EQUIPMENT DONATED TO UKRAINE
In April 2025 over 15,000 Pieces of Vital Firefighting Equipment Donated to Ukraine
A major humanitarian convoy, coordinated by FIRE AID in partnership with UK fire and rescue services, has arrived in Ukraine following three-months of planning. The mission delivered over 15,000 pieces of life-saving firefighting equipment to support Ukrainian emergency services, which continue to operate under relentless strain. As the war rages on and Russian forces increasingly target firefighters through so-called "double tap" bombings, this critical donation provides a vital lifeline to crews working in some of the most dangerous conditions in the world.
A total of 30 fire and rescue vehicles, including 26 fire engines, have departed from the UK, filled with essential equipment donated by 18 fire and rescue servicesfrom England and Wales. The convoy — the eighth and largest of its kind — has been organised by FIRE AID in partnership with National Resilience and International Search and Rescue (ISAR) (based out of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service), with support from HM Government, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Industry Association (FIA).
Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, the impact on Ukraine’s fire services has been catastrophic:
422 firehouses destroyed
1,500 fire vehicles lost
101 firefighters killed
436 injured
4 currently in captivity, and 1 missing
Despite these devastating losses, Ukrainian firefighters continue to risk their lives daily — not in combat, but to save lives and protect property, often under extreme and dangerous conditions.
This latest deployment builds on the 118 fire and rescue vehicles and more than 200,000 pieces of equipmentdonated since the start of the invasion, underscoring the steadfast solidarity between UK fire services and their Ukrainian counterparts.
Over the past three years, these life-saving vehicles have played a critical role in Ukraine’s emergency response—mobilised to over 5,500 incidents across 17 regions. From frontline firefighting to humanitarian rescue operations, they continue to provide vital support where it’s needed most.
First Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Vitalii Myroniuk, expressed profound gratitude:
“The people and Government of the United Kingdom were among the first to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine... Your support allowed us to replace outdated equipment with modern British technology, enabling us to carry out our life-saving missions more quickly and effectively in wartime conditions.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.”
Approximately 170 volunteers, drawn from fire and rescue services across Europe, supported this mission, highlighting the personal commitment behind every donation and delivery. Equipment ranges from hoses, PPE, and thermal imaging cameras to full fire appliances, helping Ukrainian responders rebuild their vital capabilities.
International solidarity has been a hallmark of these convoys. Tom Reher, representing the German fire services involved, emphasised:
"Firefighters all over the world are one big family. Supporting our British friends and Ukrainian colleagues through these convoys is both an obligation and an honour. Together, with expertise, strength, and every resource available, we help ensure these vital supplies reach their destination."
The Glinde Fire Department, among other European partners, continues to provide logistical and escort support for the humanitarian mission across Europe to the Polish-Ukrainian border.
This convoy is not just a delivery of equipment — it is a delivery of hope, solidarity, and a powerful reminder of the global firefighting community’s commitment to standing together in the face of adversity.
