Firefighters from London Fire Brigade have volunteered to drive vehicles as part of a convoy that will be delivering fire and rescue kit and equipment to the Polish State Fire Service.
Fire and Rescue Services from across the UK have been donating kit and equipment to be sent to Ukraine to support frontline firefighters. As part of a coordinated effort led by Fire AID and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the Brigade has donated breathing apparatus equipment and cylinders.
Members of the Brigade’s International Search and Rescue (ISAR) Logistics team have been leading the project to sort and safely load the donations this week, ready for them to be transported. A convoy of 22 vehicles will be setting off on Saturday (19 March) driven by firefighters and Fire AID volunteers, including three firefighters from the Brigade.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dave O'Neill, said: “The crisis in Ukraine is truly shocking and I am grateful that the Brigade has been able to support the efforts to help the victims.
“Fire services have been donating equipment and PPE and I am pleased that the Brigade has been able to help, not only by donating equipment, but also being part of the convoy.
“As expected, we have had an overwhelming number of responses to our advert calling for volunteers. There are further convoys planned and those that have expressed an interest will be included in a database for this and future opportunities.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m in awe of firefighters from London Fire Brigade who have volunteered to deliver firefighting equipment to Ukraine. Our city will always come together for those in need. London Fire Brigade stood up to help Londoners driving ambulances and delivering PPE at the height of the pandemic, and here again, London's firefighters are showing their generosity and bravery. They're the best of London and this convoy delivering fire and rescue kit and equipment will help save lives.
“Our capital shines as a beacon for peace and I’m so proud of the way Londoners have stepped up to support the people of Ukraine over these past few weeks.”
The UK ISAR team is made up of teams from fire and rescue services across Britain, who can be deployed to disasters around the globe, on behalf of the UK government. These firefighters and staff volunteer themselves to be part of ISAR and are specially trained to work overseas providing support in major incidents, such as earthquakes and large forest fires.