Two fully kitted fire appliances departed from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service HQ yesterday, to journey east to the Ukraine. The appliances, which have come to the end of their active service in the UK, have been donated by the Service.
The appliances, along with a team of nine Crew, will be providing lifesaving training and equipment to other fire services as part of the SERA (Scottish Emergency Rescue Association) initiative.
The donated appliances will also support the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) International Development Programme, helping to improve rescue standards.
SERA provides fully equipped appliances, as well as other emergency services vehicles such as ambulances, to countries such as Moldova, Serbia, Romania and Burundi. Together with specialist training, emergency services within these countries can begin to safely use and maintain the vehicles.
Niall Mckiniry, Director of Emergency Response at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said: “We’re proud to work with SERA and UKRO to deliver vital support and equipment to fire & rescue services within the Ukraine.
“These fire engines still have a lot of service in them and this great initiative allows them to be used in a positive way to potentially save lives in areas were such resources are very limited.
“Keeping them in active service also helps to demonstrate our commitment to reducing waste – something we’re really passionate about achieving here at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.”