• Seven London firefighters have returned home after delivering firefighting equipment to Ukraine
• The Brigade has donated vital equipment for firefighters serving in the war-torn state including ladders, googles and breathing apparatus kit
• Dedicated staff came together to load three articulated lorries full of life saving equipment for the eighth convoy to Ukraine.
Seven London firefighters have returned home after taking part in a convoy carrying vital life-saving firefighting equipment which the Brigade is donating to war-torn Ukraine. The donation from the Brigade included over 140 folding roof ladders, pallets of goggles, overalls and supplementary kit for breathing apparatus. Two decommissioned Detection, Identification and Monitoring (D.I.M.) vans also formed part of the Brigade’s donation.
The firefighters joined more than 100 volunteers from fire and rescue services in the UK to travel to the Polish-Ukrainian border. In the weeks leading up to the trip, the Brigade’s International Search and Rescue (ISAR), Operations Support Centre and Technical Support Services teams came together to co-ordinate supplies and load three articulated lorries-worth of kit in support of the operation.
This was the eighth convoy since the Russian invasion of Ukraine four years ago and the largest UK fire and rescue service has organised. In total, 15,000 pieces of life saving firefighting equipment were delivered to Ukrainian firefighters as part of this latest convoy. Staff from across the Brigade worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to ensure the convoy was fully supplied for the journey.
Assistant Commissioner Operational Resilience and Control Patrick Goulbourne said: “The Brigade is proud to support this crucial initiative. It helps ensure that our Ukrainian colleagues are equipped and ready to respond safely in an emergency. By working with our partners across the UK, we’re not only providing vital tools, but also sending a clear message of solidarity with the people and State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
“I’m also grateful that this equipment which has helped keep Londoners, and people across the UK safe, will now see a second life in service of the Ukrainian people.”
Retired London Fire Brigade officer and current 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."
Since the beginning of the invasion, 100 Ukrainian firefighters have been killed with 431 injured. Over 400 fire stations and 1700 fire vehicles have also been destroyed. To support Ukrainian counterparts, London Fire Brigade is working with other UK fire and rescue services , in partnership with the UK Government, National Resilience, UK International Search and Rescue, FIRE AID, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the Fire Industry Association (FIA).
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.
In December 2024 Ed Matthews' released a documentary, 'In the Line of Fire', following Ukrainian firefighters and their work during the conflict, as well as showing the impact that the support from the UK fire sector and charities has had
