West Midlands Fire Service sends more equipment to Ukraine
The donation forms part of a UK-wide humanitarian effort to support emergency crews during the ongoing conflict
West Midlands Fire Service has donated more firefighting equipment to colleagues in Ukraine to help them respond to emergencies during the ongoing war.
The equipment includes rescue tools, smoke ventilation equipment, generators and portable pumps. It has been replaced by newer models within the fire service and comes from surplus stock.
The specialist equipment will help Ukrainian firefighters rescue people trapped in collapsed buildings, clear smoke and debris, pump water from flooded areas and improve lighting at emergency incidents.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, West Midlands Fire Service has taken part in several humanitarian aid convoys, donating firefighting and rescue equipment to support emergency responders across the country.
The latest donation is part of a wider UK initiative involving fire and rescue services.
Area Commander Gemma McSweeney from WMFS, said: “These items may have reached the end of their operational life within West Midlands Fire Service, but they still have an important role to play in supporting firefighters working in extremely challenging circumstances in Ukraine.
“The fire and rescue service is built on a strong sense of teamwork and solidarity and by donating equipment that is surplus to our requirements, we’re able to support colleagues who continue to serve their communities under incredibly difficult conditions.
“We are proud to play our part in continued efforts to assist Ukraine’s emergency services and we know this equipment will help firefighters carry out their vital work safely and effectively.”