Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service helps deliver life-saving aid to Ukraine

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has supported the ninth convoy of vital firefighting equipment to Ukraine, four years on from the full-scale invasion.

The convoy, which departed the UK on Monday, June 29, reached the Polish border with Ukraine on Thursday, July 2nd, with vehicles and equipment being transferred to Ukrainian partners as part of a coordinated handover process.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and FIRE AID, the convoy was delivered through a coordinated national partnership involving National Resilience, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR), and Fire and Rescue Services from across England and Wales.

This latest convoy delivers 21 fire vehicles, including 17 fire engines, and more than 2,300 pieces of essential firefighting equipment, helping to replace critical resources lost during the war. It brings the total UK contribution since 2022 to 169 vehicles and more than 220,000 pieces of equipment.

Representing MAWWFRS during the convoy was Watch Manager Robert Kershaw, who said:

“I am incredibly proud of our Service’s commitment to supporting the charity and in getting vital aid to Ukraine.

This mission holds a very special place in my heart, as my family hosted a Ukrainian family for a year who we now consider our own. Knowing the impact of this conflict firsthand makes me even more grateful to work alongside colleagues who are dedicated to helping Ukrainian emergency services protect lives.”

Previous donations from UK Fire and Rescue Services are already having a significant impact on the ground, with vehicles provided through earlier convoys responding to more than 6,000 incidents, and over 2,500 Ukrainian firefighters equipped with fully operational PPE and breathing apparatus.

Ukrainian Fire and Rescue Services continue to face immense challenges. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 481 fire stations have been destroyed, with a further 106 located in occupied territories, and 1,792 fire vehicles lost. Since the full‑scale invasion began, 122 Firefighters have been killed and 629 injured, with three still in captivity (figures correct as of June 22nd 2026).

Despite these losses, Ukrainian Firefighters continue to operate on the frontline - saving lives, protecting infrastructure and responding to emergencies under constant threat.

The convoy was made up of approximately 80 volunteers from across the UK Fire and Rescue community giving their time to prepare, drive and deliver the appliances and equipment.

Participating Fire and Rescue Services include Derbyshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Kent, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Mid and West Wales, North Wales, North Yorkshire, South Wales, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said:

“The UK Fire and Rescue community remains unwavering in its support for colleagues in Ukraine. Four years on from the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian Firefighters continue to operate in the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable.

This ninth convoy demonstrates the enduring commitment of UK Fire and Rescue Services to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian counterparts. The equipment being donated will help replace vital resources lost during the conflict and ensure Firefighters can continue their life-saving work.

This is about Firefighters supporting Firefighters. It is a powerful example of the friendship that transcends borders.

It is crucial we recognise the challenges our colleagues face and that we continue to play our part.”