A fire engine formerly based at Felixstowe is being sent to the Ukraine to help crews on the frontline of the war torn country.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has pledged its support for Ukraine by providing much-needed fire engines and kit, which forms part of the ongoing National Fire Chiefs Council and Fire Aid initiative to send a convoy of donations travel to Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia.

Felixstowe firefighters will also be hold a charity car wash between 10am and 2pm in April to raise funds for Ukraine citizens caught up in the invasion.

Two surplus engines no longer in service have been donated to Ukraine by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, along with vital equipment including hoses.

Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Like most of the world, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is deeply saddened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and will do everything in its power to help the country.

"We are incredibly proud to support the National Fire Chiefs Council by providing two of our fire engines to Ukraine, both of which are fully operational and ready for use on arrival.

"Our thoughts are with all Ukrainian firefighters at this time, as they continue to protect their communities during the conflict despite the danger posed to their own lives."

It is anticipated that 5,000 pieces of kit will be donated by fire services from across the UK over coming weeks. The items will be sent to Ukraine via Poland, with the first convoy having left England a few days ago.

Cllr Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, said "I am pleased that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service can play its part in helping Ukraine by donating essential equipment to replace their old and damaged kit.

"This will make a real difference to the country's emergency services, whose bravery and resilience cannot be underestimated as they remain critical in responding to the atrocities caused by Russia's invasion.

"I am sure I am not alone in hoping for peace and safety for Ukraine and its people, many of whom have had their lives devastated by recent events."

Those wishing to lend their support to the scheme can visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/KeepUkraineFireFightersSafe to donate to Fire Aid, who have provided crucial equipment to Ukrainian firefighters since 2012.

In addition to donating kit to Ukraine, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will host a charity car wash at fire stations across the county between 10am and 2pm on Saturday March 26, although due to work commitments, Felixstowe's will be held at a later date.

Funds raised from this will be shared between the Disasters Emergency Committee, who continue to provide food and shelter to those fleeing Ukraine, and The Fire Fighters Charity, which offers invaluable support to both serving and former fire staff.

The engines being donated were previously based at stations across the county, including Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Beccles, Felixstowe and Long Melford.

They were no longer in active use following SFRS's fire engine replacement scheme, which has seen the introduction of new enhanced appliances containing solar panels and other energy efficiency measures as part of the service's continued commitment to addressing climate change.

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