South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Donates Appliances to Ukraine

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service donates a further six fire appliances to Ukraine

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is proud to be supplying six end-of-service fire trucks to Ukraine, to help support firefighting colleagues in the country. This is the eighth convoy  incorporating donations from the Service to frontline efforts in Ukraine. Following the most recent convoy, a total of 20 appliances and over 4,000 pieces of equipment have been delivered to Ukraine. The South Wales group joins a larger convoy of 30 vehicles donated from Services across the UK travelling to Ukraine.

Operations Manager, Darren Cleaves, who is volunteering for a third time to join the convoy, said “I hope that appliances will make a difference to the Ukrainian firefighters and assist them to battle the continuous fires caused by conflict. It’s a very humbling experience for all those involved, and wouldn’t be possible without the support of South Wales Fire Service, Fire Aid, and UK International Search and Rescue (ISAR).”

In total there are three drivers to each appliance, making 18 drivers across six appliances, to ensure adequate rest for each of the volunteers.

Barry Tolman, Station Manager, Business Fire Safety said, “Participating in this convoy is a career highlight for me. As I retire in just four weeks after 30 years of service, it will be one of the last things I do to give back. I joined the service to help people, and I hope to finish my time here doing just that.”

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan addressed the convoy, and was joined by Mick Antoniw, Sennedd Constituency member for Pontypridd. Mick Antoniw said:

“I think it is fantastic, not only the six appliances going from South Wales Fire and Rescue, but 30 from the UK as a whole. These are vehicles that are much needed in Ukraine right now, which will be used on the frontline to save lives.”

“I understand the appliances are also carrying a lot of equipment, which is essential for the first responders in Ukraine, who are losing their lives trying to counter the effects of the drone and missile attacks. As a second generation Ukrainian, and as someone who has family serving in Ukraine, this means a lot to me personally.”

As of February 2025, the war in Ukraine has claimed the lives of 100 firefighters, injured 431, and destroyed 411 fire stations and 1,700 fire vehicles. These figures mark a sharp rise from earlier reports and highlight the urgent need for continued support.

The convoy will travel from the UK to Poland, where the Polish Fire and Rescue Service will then deliver these vital resources to the Ukrainian border.