News and Events

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is proud to announce the donation of two fire engines and a 4x4 vehicle filled with firefighting media and rescue equipment to Ukrainian fire and rescue services.  

We are now three years into the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite the chaos and devastation, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate in the war zone, not to engage in combat, but to save lives and protect property - often at great personal risk. Since the full-scale invasion in Ukraine began, 100 firefighters have been killed, 431 have been injured, 4 are in captivity, and one is missing. Additionally, 411 firehouses have been destroyed, 1700 fire vehicles have been destroyed, and 95 firehouses are now in the occupied territories. 

Firefighters in the UK and beyond are united in support for Ukraine. This convoy, which is the eighth over the last three years, is testament to that.  

The convoy, which will take place next month, has been organised through a partnership of fire and rescue services from England and Wales, the Home Office, National Resilience, International Search and Rescue, FIRE AID, National Fire Chiefs Council, and the Fire Industry Association. 

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.

First Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Vitalii Myroniuk, said:

The people and Government of the United Kingdom were among the first to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine at a time when the whole world was uncertain whether we would endure the onslaught. Your support in the critical early days of Russia's invasion allowed us to replace outdated equipment with modern British technology, enabling us to carry out our life-saving missions more quickly and effectively in wartime conditions. We are immensely grateful for your solidarity and for understanding the challenges we face and the conditions in which we operate.

Every Ukrainian rescuer works tirelessly to safeguard our statehood and our nation. And we are able to endure thanks to our British friends, who share our common values of freedom and the rule of law.

FIRE AID Chair, David O’Neill MBE, said:

We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine; our fire family is committed to giving ongoing support and a lifeline in their time of need. This eighth convoy - the largest yet - is absolutely vital as the news about the conflict unfolds and changes daily. Recently we welcomed our frontline and political colleagues from Ukraine to the United Kingdom, the unimaginable challenges they face daily is devastating.

FIRE AID and partners continue to work tirelessly to support Ukrainian firefighters. The statistics are staggering; more than 100 firefighters have lost their lives, with hundreds injured. Our work is far from done. We remain committed to Ukraine and will continue to offer our unwavering support and assistance to their firefighters risking their lives daily.