A former Isle of Wight fire engine that once served communities across the Island is beginning a new chapter overseas after being delivered to North Macedonia as part of a humanitarian aid convoy organised by Operation Florian.
HW51 EKZ, formerly operated by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, has now arrived in North Macedonia alongside 2 other retired UK fire appliances following a 3-day journey across Europe.
The appliance was originally stationed at Newport as the station’s first away appliance before later serving at Ryde as a third appliance.
In later years, the fire engine was based at Sandown before transfers to Bembridge and then Ventnor. It eventually became part of the fleet reserve before being retired from frontline service.
The appliance travelled with KE53 VFK, a former Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service vehicle, and HX04 ZRU, another former Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service appliance.
The trio of appliances have been delivered to Macedonia by volunteers from Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Sussex fire & rescue services. The convoy passed through France, Switzerland, Italy and Albania.
Operation Florian was established in 1995 as a UK fire and rescue service humanitarian charity and works to promote the protection of life amongst communities in need around the world.
The charity delivers life-saving vehicles, equipment, supplies and technical expertise to fire and rescue services internationally.
Ridiculous. How about reopening some of the fire stations around this country that have been closed due to lack of government money and putting them there?
If only, but that will never happen, the Government
are spending our money on other ventures.