and Steve Logan, Station Commander at Caerphilly Fire Station
A fire engine donated from an oil refinery in West Wales is the latest appliance to hit the road for a new working life overseas.
The fire engine is the latest vehicle to be donated through the Blazing to Serbia project.
Originally set up in 2011 by Steve Logan, Station Commander at Caerphilly Fire Station, the project helps developing fire brigades in Serbia gain access to more modern firefighting equipment.
In the four years of the project, 23 fire engines have been donated to Serbia, with 22 coming from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and one from power tools manufacturer Bosch, which had an old engine at its former plant.
The 24th engine has been donated from the Valero oil refinery in Pembrokeshire and is heading to Bosnia
Mr Logan, who set off on his 18th journey on Tuesday, October 27, said: “The equipment they use in Serbia’s capital Belgrade is very modern, but as soon as you head into the towns and villages it’s a different story. I joined Mid Glamorgan fire service in 1982 and when I joined, wooden ladders had already been gone for 30 years plus.
“In Serbia, wooden ladders are still in use, so the aluminium ladders that have been donated will make a massive difference.”
Mr Logan said the project has seen firm friendships struck up with colleagues in Serbia, but that each trip also meant meeting new people and establishing more relationships.
The 1,500 mile road trip, which started at Caerphilly Castle, will take in Germany, Hungary and Serbia, is set to take six days, with the fire engine being delivered to Mostar in Bosnia on Sunday, November 1.
The cost of taking the fire engines overseas has been met by various charitable fundraising events over the past four years.
For more information about the project visit www.blazingtoserbia.co.uk, or find them on Facebook or Twitter.
Now that is common sense charity. Absolutely brilliant!