Fire service volunteers deliver donated equipment to Ukraine

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Eighteen volunteers from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service travelled more than 1,000 miles across Europe last week to deliver firefighting equipment to Ukraine.

The volunteers, who travelled with six fire engines, joined a convoy of around 100 fire service volunteers from across the UK.

The convoy, which was carrying more than 2,800 pieces of donated fire equipment, began its journey in Kent on Tuesday April 23.

Since Russia’s attack began in February 2022, fire services in Ukraine have been decimated, while the demands upon them have soared.

As of April 10 this year, figures provided by the UK Home Office show that 396 Ukrainian firehouses have been destroyed, with 92 more now in occupied territory.

Meanwhile, 1,676 fire vehicles have been destroyed, 91 firefighters have been killed, with a further 349 injured, and five held in captivity.

Due to the war, the work of Ukrainian firefighters has grown significantly, with approximately 217,000 buildings destroyed or damaged, 18,270 fires put out and 4,975 people rescued.

The donations delivered to Ukraine last week were made up of decommissioned or surplus equipment from the UK, which would have otherwise been sent for scrap.

Dean Loader, of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), said: “It’s quite startling to see the impact of the devastation since the war in Ukraine started, and we feel a sense of responsibility to our international fire and rescue service colleagues to assist where we can.

“We’ve always had a charitable approach in south Wales, and the vehicles and equipment which we donated would’ve been sold or scrapped as part end-of-life disposal, so we feel they’re going to much better use, aiding those who really need it.”

SWFRS’s Darren Cleaves, who was part of the convoy, said: “This was my second convoy to Ukraine, and I was just as eager to be involved.

“It was a long four days travelling across Europe. We covered 1,286 miles from SWFRS HQ to the drop off point, but our team was absolutely fantastic, and the value of the mission cannot be understated.

“It takes a certain strength to leave loved ones behind and travel to the outskirts of a warzone. Obviously, safety was paramount, and all volunteers were heavily briefed prior to departure, but we were all glad to make it back to home soil on Saturday after such an incredible mission.”