Fire service donates hundreds of pieces of equipment to Ukraine
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have made the donations as part of a national effort
Last updated 15th Jun 2024
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined in with a national effort - donating breathing apparatus and air cylinders to Ukraine.
In all, nearly 400 pieces of equipment from the service are on their way to the war torn country to help firefighters over there with their vital work during the ongoing conflict.
In total, 89 BA sets and 304 air cylinders have been donated by RBFRS as part of the latest convoy making its way to Ukraine.
Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer at RBFRS, said: “We have recently replaced our BA sets and rather than disposing of the old kits, there is no better use for them than donating them to Ukrainian firefighters, who clearly have great need for them and who we will continue to show our full support at every opportunity.
"This vital equipment will go out as part of the next convoy and I’m sure will be in use very soon after arriving in Ukraine.
“Alongside the donations from fire and rescue services across the UK, we hope that this equipment will assist in the immense relief effort that is needed in Ukraine.”
Members of the Fleet and Equipment Team had prepared the sets for the donation and use by Ukrainian firefighters, whilst other fire and rescue services are donating a range of other equipment and appliances.
Paul Bremble, Area Manager for RBFRS, said: "It's in an effort to support our colleagues during this difficult period that they are going through.
"The old sets really aren't unusable - so it's a great way to reuse equipment that would have otherwise been thrown away.
"From recollection, this is the first time we have been able to support Ukrainians in this way. To be part of that wider group of organisations trying to help other people in difficult times makes us really proud as a service."
The donation of this equipment is part of a national effort, which has been coordinated by the charity FIRE AID UK and the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Four convoys including a total of 69 fire appliances and tens of thousands of items of life-saving kit and equipment have already been donated.
On Wednesday, 26 April, the vehicle carrying the equipment left Theale Community Fire Station to join colleagues from across the country in Kent. The equipment will be stored there before being sent to Poland in the week commencing 1 May, before being transported to Ukraine.
Find out more on the NFCC website.