A convoy of 22 fire engines is heading from Ashford to Ukraine, transporting vital equipment for firefighters.

UK charity Fire Aid and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sent an initial delivery to the country on March 11.

Today a second convoy, consisting of 22 vehicles carrying 5,000 pieces of equipment donated by fire services across the UK, departed at about 8am.

More than 60 volunteers from FIRE AID and fire and rescue services are taking the convoy into Poland. It will then make its way into Ukraine.

It will take approximately three days to arrive in Poland. When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support emergency services who are using old and worn out equipment to protect lives, people and property as the Russian invasion devastates the country.

The 22-strong vehicle convoy includes 15 fire engines, an incident response unit, a hydraulic rescue platform, mechanical support for the journey, and two lorries containing equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, generators, lighting, hoses, and thousands of sets of PPE.

Claire Hoyland, Project Manager at FIRE AID says: “We’re calling this a mega convoy as it is not only mega in size, but it has been truly a monumental effort from all involved. Within two weeks we have put together the biggest ever donation of aid from UK Fire and Rescue services.

"I am so proud of everyone involved and so grateful for the support of our project partners, including EASST, NFCC, and the Home Office, along with many others who have contributed time, money, and assistance."

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Mark Hardingham said: "To see the convoy of fire vehicles - packed with thousands of pieces of firefighting equipment, start its journey was incredibly humbling; every firefighter and volunteer involved should be immensely proud of how their amazing work is making this a reality. This firefighting kit will soon be with Ukrainian emergency services, helping our firefighter colleagues to save lives and protect their local communities – often whilst under devastating attacks.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “We are helping to ensure that crucial fire and rescue equipment and PPE donated by Fire and Rescue Services will get to where it can directly provide succour to those brave firefighters, emergency services and volunteers on the front line in Ukraine.”

Fire Aid project manager Claire Hoyland said the charity’s members immediately mobilised in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Fire Aid members have been working in partnership with the Ukrainian emergency services since 2012 and we are proud to be coordinating this unprecedented emergency response on behalf of the UK fire sector,” she said.