- Written by Alex Dunlop and Katie Prickett
- BBC News, East of England
image source, Alex Dunlop/BBC
Experienced firefighters received training from 5001 Squadron on donated vehicles, most of which were serving with the British Army.
RAF instructors provided an “extensive, intensive package” on how to operate specialized fire engines to nine Ukrainian military firefighters.
Training took place at RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire.
The UK has donated its 17 specialized firefighting vehicles to help the country respond to damage caused by Russian air strikes.
One of the Ukrainian firefighters said that they “will save lives and bring us closer to our military victory.”
image source, Alex Dunlop/BBC
An anonymous Ukrainian military firefighter said it took just four days for them to be “almost fully operational” on the vehicles
Wing Commander Mark Conkar, Deputy Commander, RAF Support Force Whitring, said: “Our understanding of the Ukrainian fleet is that they are old Soviet-era vehicles.
“These are the vehicles that we’ve used in operations, they’re vehicles with modern capabilities, so we’re hoping to give them a step up from what they’re used to using.”
One of the vehicles was donated by the Welsh Assembly, while the remainder were obtained from the Royal Air Force and Defense Fire and Rescue.
The fleet consists of 15 rapid reaction vehicles and two main foam vehicles.
image source, Alex Dunlop/BBC
Seven of the vehicles have already arrived in Ukraine, with the rest due in two weeks
“The difference here is the ability to produce water and foam as they move, whereas the equipment they have is stationary, so they can deal with fires one by one,” said Flt Lt Charles Carpenter, who led the training team.
He added that the Ukrainian trainees were experienced military firefighters who were subjected to “very intense force.” [training] Five-day package “and you will sequence this training onwards” upon arrival home.
image source, Alex Dunlop/BBC
Wing Cdr Nikki Duncan said Wittering was a good fit to host the training because it had both the space needed and the specialists
“On Sunday we were able to take them to a Ukrainian church where they met Ukrainian families and … it was really emotional,” said Nikki Duncan, RAF Station Wittering Commander.
She added, “It’s a really important thing, and it’s important for Wittering because it’s the first time we’ve done anything like that, and it’s important for the Air Force, it’s our contribution — and it’s very important for them because it will increase their operational capabilities.”
Speaking anonymously, a Ukrainian firefighter said, “We are very grateful to the UK for providing us with the opportunity to learn here.
“Rest assured that when we are home, we will be using this equipment to the fullest extent possible.”
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