Largest UK fire engine aid convoy heads to Ukraine

The equipment has been donated by a partnership of 15 fire and rescue services from England and Wales

A convoy of the largest number of fire and rescue vehicles to date is set to deliver emergency aid to Ukraine, says the Home Office.

Twenty fire engines carrying more than 2,800 pieces of firefighting equipment such as ladders, boats and breathing kits are due to leave Kent on 30 April.

More than 100 volunteers from 15 brigades from across England and Wales and from the organisation Fire Aid will travel to the war-torn country.

Chris Philp, Home Office minister, said the "barbaric invasion" has "taken a toll on the brave people of Ukraine’s" fire services.

Home Office minister Chris Philp said they are determined to support the people of Ukraine

Nearly 400 fire stations have been destroyed and 91 firefighters killed since the war began, according to the latest Home Office figures.

It is hoped the donations - which include the vehicles - will provide a much-needed boost to the war-torn country's fire services.

In total, 33 fire and rescue vehicles will form the convoy including two mechanics’ vehicles and one aerial ladder platform, which disperses water onto buildings from above.

Road traffic collision equipment, fire and water PPE and safe working at height kits are among the other pieces of equipment being sent.

The convoy is sponsored by the Home Office.

Minister Mr Philp said: "Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine has taken a toll on the brave people of Ukraine’s fire and rescue services.

"We are now in the third year of this senseless conflict and today’s donation shows our determination to support the people of Ukraine remains as strong as ever."

'The very best'

Mark Hardingham, chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “We have witnessed the sheer strength and resilience of Ukrainian firefighters since the day the war began.

“With the war continuing and the task before them increasingly challenging, the UK and international firefighter community will continue to provide support however we can.

“The efforts to bring this equipment together, and get it to where it’s needed most, demonstrates the very best of UK fire and rescue services.”