Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is taking part in the largest UK fire and rescue service convoy, which is set to deliver more than 15,000 pieces of firefighting equipment and 30 fire and rescue vehicles to Ukrainian firefighters. As part of this effort, HFRS has donated 747 pieces of personal protective equipment to the eighth convoy.
The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on Ukrainian firefighters. Latest figures from the State Emergency Services of Ukraine 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 by 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.
Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Phil Shillito, said:
“I’m enormously proud that we are part of a national effort for the people of Ukraine and their firefighters, and other emergency services who risk their lives to help protect the communities they serve.
“We continue to stand side-by-side with the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian communities across the Humber region.”
Since the conflict began, HFRS has supported in several ways including:
- Being a part of previous convoys and donating of thousands of pieces of PPE, fire kit (tunics and trousers) and a fire engine to our colleagues in the Ukraine Fire Service.
- Providing support to local community groups by setting up Goole and Scunthorpe fire stations as donation points for items to be sent to Ukraine refugees in Poland.
