Firefighters in Ukraine are getting a big delivery from Timmins.
The Timmins Fire Department is sending 119 pieces of bunker gear to the country, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022.
“This is all structural bunker gear that we can no longer use as per the industry standards for North America. It’s still in good condition, good repair," said Scott Foster, TFD's acting chief training officer.
The local firefighters hope the gear makes their counterparts in Ukraine a little safer and lets them know that the rest of the world is thinking of them.
In the past, Foster said used gear has been sent to developing countries such as Haiti.
This time, the local department has teamed up with Firefighter Aid Ukraine (FFAU), which started in Edmonton.
The local donation is packed and ready to go when they get the go-ahead from organizers.
"They’ve requested we set everything up and have it ready to go at a moment’s notice. They typically find a passenger plane with some extra space and they’ll throw the stuff onto that plane,” he said.
Timmins' contribution includes 37 helmets, 37 pants, 32 coats and 13 pairs of boots. The gear is all in working condition, but can no longer be used by the local department because the current industry standard is to retire the gear 10 years after its manufacturing date.
"They’re in dire need of (equipment) for firefighters in Ukraine right now, they’re quite excited to get any and all gear that they can get,” said Foster.
