North East fire service send truck load of vital supplies to Ukrainian front line

Local fire and rescue crews in Newcastle are helping transport vital kit and equipment to help efforts in Ukraine.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) are joining a national effort launched by the National Fire Chiefs Council to support those in Ukraine working on the front line.

Everything from fire engines to thermal imaging cameras for finding victims and generators to hoses are being sent over.

On Friday, March 11 staff from TWFRS drove a lorry full of donations down to Kent to join the effort.

The lorry was provided by Gateshead haulage company owner Tony Carter of Tony Carter Transport Limited.

These are now being transported to the Ukrainian front line by the NFCC and charity Fire Aid.

It is hoped the vehicles and equipment will help bolster Ukrainian firefighters who are trying to save lives amid the destruction of the war raging across the country.

TWFRS Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther, said he was proud to see how fire and rescue services across the country had come together to offer support.

He said: “The response from communities across the country, and here in Tyne and Wear, has been incredible but it is not surprising to me.

“Time and time again we come together as a nation to answer the call in a time of crisis and provide support and an emergency response in people’s time of need.

“As a fire and rescue service we play an important role in a humanitarian response and we will do our bit to provide that to communities and emergency responders in Ukraine.

“Our firefighters and staff have worked hard in recent days to gather equipment, package it and drive it down to Kent to be delivered to the front line.

“But that also wouldn’t be possible without the support of Tony Carter who has provided us with the transport to deliver those goods to our NFCC colleagues.

“To echo the words of the NFCC Chair, Mark Hardingham, this is our sector at its very best - selflessly working together and supporting one other for the greater good.”

Claire Hoyland, from FIRE AID, added: “When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers who are battling together on the front line, often using old or worn equipment.

“They are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people and property as the invasion devastates the country.”