Fire Engine Aid Project

[GB]

I am sending 4 fire engines and 1 ambulance to Moldova in August 2009 that I hope to send fully kitted. I have completed 2 similar size projects in 2007 & 2008 both to Serbia. I normally leave requests for help to the last minute but am trying to be a bit more organised.

With the current credit crunch I am assuming that funds will be extremely tight in 2009 therefore I will have no money to buy any equipment. I have found a sponser for the appliances, the transport of appliances and the return flights of the Instructors after the 1 weeks training course that we are proividing with the appliances and equipment.

The hope and aim of this post is to try and beg, borrow (but not quite steal ) any equipment for the appliances. At present the appliances are empty so require everything that could concievably be put to use on a UK fire truck. This includes hose, BA, cutting gear etc etc. If you have anything that you could donate, please let me know and I will try and arrange to pick up.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this.

[GB]

To update this post a little.

I have just returned from Moldova where I took a look at what they have to ensure we are delivering what they need.

The country is in a pretty poor state with the areas I visited having no running water and no sanitation (including all the fire stations!). Water is lifted from communal wells and toilets are holes in the ground with if you are lucky a Garden shed over it!!

The average wage is $50 per month with a really good salary such as Head Teacher of a school at $100 per month.

The fire stations are clean and what equipment they have is immaculate (including the old hook ladders which they still use!). They have no fire kit to speak of apart from 1 or 2 old Fear not suits. They have some old WW2 gas masks for respiratory protection, a few crowbars and around 6 lengths of hose - that's it!!

Since my original post the reality of our countries recession is biting deeper but we are hopeful of delivering the project as originally intended - but we do need help. Please if you know of anyone who can spare some kit, please let me know.

[GB]

I am really sorry - I dont mean to abuse the forum therefore fully understand if this post is removed.

We have only 8 weeks until we go - we have all our 4 fire engines and 2 ambulances - but no kit to put into them. Cash is tight in this economic climate and our fund raising is poor.

We need everything from hose, suction hose, foam compound, cutting gear and trauma kit.

If you can assist with anything, it would be most appreciated.

Many thanks

[Phoenix]

Whilst looking at some work in Bolivia I came across Operation Florian.  If you haven't been in touch with them already it might be worth a shot.

Stu

[GB]

Hi Stu

Many thanks for taking the time to reply.

Yes we have tried Florian on a few occasions for this trip and they have said that they have nothing they can give us to help. IFRA are helping us with whatever kit they can spare which includes some BA sets and Gas tight suits - still a lot of gaps on the fire engines though needing to be filled.

All suggestions welcome - can anyone else suggest something / somewhere?

[Phoenix]

My ex-brigade has a partnership with the Gambia (the smallest country in Africa - good for quizzes) that costs the brigade little but that benefits the Gambia hugely.  There are dozens of brigades (FRSs) that do not have similar partnerships and I would urge any current members of an FRS that is not in such a partnership to make forceful internal enquiries as to how they might be able to help this altruistic and noble cause.

And when this noble task has past, there will be many others - think about this -

Anyone in a FRS has the opportunity to initiate a partnership with a deserving cause.  It could help your career. 

Stu

[Phoenix]

It could help your career. 

On second thoughts....