THE Berkshire fire service has donated breathing apparatus sets to support Ukrainian firefighters in their work during the ongoing war.

In total, 89 BA sets and 304 air cylinders have been donated by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service as part of the latest convoy making its way to Ukraine.

On Wednesday, April 26, the vehicle carrying the equipment left Theale Community Fire Station to join colleagues from across the country in Kent.

The equipment was stored there before being sent to Poland this week (week commencing May 1), before being transported to Ukraine.

Four convoys including a total of 69 fire appliances and tens of thousands of items of life-saving kit and equipment have already been donated.

Wayne Bowcock, Chief fire officer at RBFRS, said: “We have recently replaced our BA sets and rather than disposing of the old kits, there is no better use for them than donating them to Ukrainian firefighters, who clearly have great need for them and who we will continue to show our full support at every opportunity.  This vital equipment will go out as part of the next convoy and I’m sure will be in use very soon after arriving in Ukraine.

“Alongside the donations from fire and rescue services across the UK, we hope that this equipment will assist in the immense relief effort that is needed in Ukraine.”

The donation of this equipment is part of a national effort, which has been coordinated by the charity FIRE AID UK and the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Find out more on the NFCC website.