Norfolk firefighters to join convoy across Europe to deliver life-saving fire equipment to Ukraine

Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS) will be doing its bit to support colleagues in Ukraine, when a group of volunteer firefighters drive across Europe to donate crucial fire equipment to the war-torn region later this month.

15 NFRS firefighters have volunteered to drive five ex-service vehicles to Ukraine, to deliver equipment including ladders, generators, hydraulic rescue equipment, light portable pumps and positive pressure ventilation fans.

The five appliances will also be donated in support of the humanitarian effort, which has been coordinated by FIRE AID and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

The five Norfolk vehicles will be part of a UK convoy of 30 fire and rescue appliances carrying over 15,000 pieces of equipment, which will help to replace crucial resources lost during the ongoing war. 

Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate in the war zone, saving lives and protect property. Since the start of the invasion three years ago, 100 firefighters have been killed, 411 Ukrainian fire stations have been destroyed and 1,700 fire vehicles lost. 

Tom Diaper, NFRS Crew Manager and volunteer driver, said: "Being a firefighter can be testing and dangerous at the best of times, so the challenge of fighting fires in the Ukraine at the moment is almost unimaginable.

"Naturally we jumped at the opportunity to help, and it's great that Norfolk has been proactive in offering our support. As fire fighters, you're only as good as the equipment at your disposal, so if this goes some way to helping our colleagues on the ground in Ukraine to do their jobs and to save lives, then the trip will have been worth it."

The effort to ensure the equipment being donated is fit for purpose and ready for use has been heavily supported by Delta Fire, who have offered invaluable assistance in servicing much of the kit free of charge.

Norfolk Chief Fire Officer, Ceri Sumner, said: "NFCC continue to do fantastic work to coordinate humanitarian support for our colleagues in the Ukraine, who are risking their lives by working in unimaginably difficult circumstances.

"I am hugely proud that Norfolk is playing its part in this life-saving support, and of the collective effort that has gone in to making our role possible. Thank you to all of our drivers who have volunteered to make the trip, to everyone who has worked hard to ensure all the vehicles and equipment are in good working order, and to Delta Fire for their generosity in servicing the kit."

Jordon King, Delta Fire Business Development Manager, said: "It was an honour for the team at Delta Fire to be able to support such a vital cause. Servicing the donated equipment to ensure it is in top condition for the firefighters in Ukraine was a small but meaningful way for Delta Fire to contribute.

"Firefighters everywhere rely on the best available tools to save lives, and we are proud to help make that possible for our friends in Ukraine during such difficult times."

The service has previous experience in aiding those impacted by the war in Ukraine. After the conflict first broke out in 2022, NFRS firefighters helped to prepare houses in support of Norfolk County Council's Homes For Ukraine Scheme, which housed refugees fleeing the war.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Vice-Chair and Chair-Elect, Phil Garrigan, said: "The entire UK fire and rescue community stands with our colleagues in Ukraine, as they continue to put their lives on the line in the most challenging and dangerous conditions.

"This latest donation of fire engines and equipment will go some way to replace that lost to the full-scale war, providing critical support to firefighters who are working tirelessly to save lives and protect communities despite immense adversity. We are incredibly proud to play a small but crucial role in ensuring that our colleagues have the resources they need to continue their vital work."