12 people from WYFRS are forming part of the convoy, as the service donates four fire engines on this occasion. In total around 100 people will take part, with 26 fire engines being donated as part of the eighth convoy. This means a total of 119 vehicles have been donated, alongside 200,000 pieces of equipment since the invasion began*.
The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on Ukrainian firefighters. Latest figures 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.
The convoy to support them has been organised UK fire and rescue services, in partnership with the UK Government, National Resilience, International Search and Rescue, FIRE AID, National Fire Chiefs Council and the Fire Industry Association have come together to support their Ukrainian counterparts.
Station Manager Simon Blackburn said “In 2024 we received a fleet of brand-new fire engines to enhance our firefighting capabilities, so with the appliances we replaced still in a good condition we wished to support this campaign.
“West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service stand with our firefighting family in Ukraine and hope this donation will support the vital lifesaving work they carry out in the most dangerous of conditions.”
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Vice-Chair and Chair-Elect, Phil Garrigan, said:
“The entire UK fire and rescue community stands with our colleagues in Ukraine, as they continue to put their lives on the line in the most challenging and dangerous conditions.
“This latest donation of fire engines and equipment will go some way to replace that lost to the full-scale war, providing critical support to firefighters who are working tirelessly to save lives and protect communities despite immense adversity. We are incredibly proud to play a small but crucial role in ensuring that our colleagues have the resources they need to continue their vital work."
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.
"FIRE AID 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."