FIRE AID HOSTS UKRAINIAN LEADERS FOR 'IN THE LINE OF FIRE' FILM PREMIERE
Last week, a senior delegation from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine visited London for the exclusive premiere of In the Line of Fire by Edward Matthews. This moving documentary highlights the resilience and dedication of Ukrainian firefighters and underscores the vital support provided by FIRE AID and its partners following the full-scale invasion in 2022.
The private screening, held at the prestigious Somerset House, was a collaboration between the London Fire Brigade and FIRE AID. Attendees included representatives from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Home Office, FIA Foundation, National Resilience, Angloco, Fire Industry Association, Border Force, and international colleagues from France.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has united the UK and international fire and rescue communities in support of their Ukrainian counterparts. Since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, the Ukrainian firefighting community has faced devastating losses, including:
100 firefighters killed in the line of duty.
405 firefighters injured.
Destruction of over 1,700 fire and rescue vehicles and 396 fire stations.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian firefighters continue to work tirelessly in war zones, risking their lives to save others and protect property. They operate not as combatants but as life-saving professionals, demonstrating extraordinary courage and commitment.
FIRE AID’s decade-long collaboration with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine has enabled the organization to spearhead the UK fire sector’s efforts in supporting Ukrainian firefighters. The London Fire Brigade, a key partner of FIRE AID, has made significant contributions, including:
Deployment of over 30 volunteer drivers and 15 specialist logistics experts.
Donation of 10 decommissioned fire vehicles and more than 1,000 sets of breathing apparatus.
London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, said:
“I’m incredibly proud that London Fire Brigade has been able to support firefighters on the frontline in Ukraine. As part of a coordinated effort led by Fire Aid and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), we’ve participated in numerous convoys to donate essential equipment and PPE, including command support units, a fire engine, and hose branches. This not only delivers vital equipment to our Ukrainian counterparts working in unimaginable conditions, it also sends a message of solidarity. The overwhelming response we've had to our call for volunteers speaks volumes about the compassion and dedication of our staff and reflects the very best of the Brigade.”
The collective efforts of the UK fire sector have resulted in:
Donation of 118 fire and rescue vehicles.
Provision of over 200,000 pieces of critical equipment, including 9 fire boats, 113 thermal imaging cameras, 87 generators, and more than 7,000 sets of personal protective gear.
These achievements have been made possible by the unwavering support of partners such as the NFCC, National Resilience, Home Office, and the Fire Industry Association.
The premiere of In the Line of Fire served as a poignant reminder of the bravery of Ukrainian firefighters and the importance of international solidarity. As the conflict continues, FIRE AID and its partners remain committed to providing life-saving support to those on the frontline.
Link to the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCLfkpoq8g0
Media Contact: Claire Hoyland
Director
FIRE AID and International Development
claire@fire-aid.org
Videographer contact: Edward Matthews
Emris Media + FIRE AID
edward@fire-aid.org
