April 2024
In April 2024, UK ISAR supported the largest convoy ever organized by the UK Fire & Rescue Service to deliver essential equipment to Ukraine. This convoy, unprecedented in scale, saw UK ISAR take a leading role in packing, manifesting, and commanding the operation. The convoy included contributions from 15 Fire & Rescue Services across England and Wales, comprising 30 fire and rescue vehicles, two mechanics vehicles, and a heavy goods vehicle transporting over 2,800 pieces of surplus equipment. The convoy featured 20 fire engines, eight incident command units, an aerial ladder platform, and a 4×4 vehicle.
The Ukrainian fire and rescue services have been severely impacted by the war, facing immense demands. So far, 396 firehouses have been destroyed, with an additional 92 in occupied territories. A total of 1,676 fire vehicles have been destroyed. The conflict has also claimed the lives of 91 firefighters, injured 349, and left five in captivity. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian firefighters have significantly increased their efforts, responding to approximately 217,000 destroyed or damaged buildings, extinguishing 18,270 fires, and rescuing 4,975 people.
