Operation Florian

A fire engine donated to Ecuador as part of Operation Florian

Operation Florian is a charity that donates Fire Service equipment and vehicles and provides firefighter and rescue training to communities in need across the world.

Operation Florian was formed in 1995 and takes its name from the patron saint of firefighters. After firefighters from Manston visited Bosnia and Croatia after the Bosnian War, it became apparent that the local Fire Service did not have the resources to stop fires spreading and so Operation Florian was formed to assist them. The first donation consisted of a fire appliance and some equipment to the island of Brac in the region and is still in service on the island 13 years later.

Since then, the charity has helped people around the world. Run by volunteers with the help of emergency services, including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, it raises money through fundraising and by becoming a delivery party for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Prior to any operation, a scoping visit takes place to an area to access the environment and the type of aid needed. This also helps to build awareness and local relationships.

Vehicles are donated to Operation Florian by Fire and Rescue Service workshops after they are no longer required for use. Once sourced, they are serviced, tested and if necessary painted and equipped with kit such as hoses, branches, some small tools and breaking in equipment, rescue equipment and breathing apparatus. Operation Florian also provides personal protective equipment for the firefighters and teams of professional instructors to meet any training requirements.

Achievements
From delivering fire appliances and ambulances to the Ukraine and Chernobyl to training 200 ex-soldiers in Bosnia to be firefighters, much has been already been achieved by Operation Florian. There are plans over the coming year to provide equipment and vehicles to Bulgaria, Macedonia and provide training in Kosovo.

To find out more about Operation Florian and the charity’s achievements so far please visit www.operationflorian.com.

Operation Florian in Ecuador
Steve Jordan from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service; Colin Cunliffe, a retired Assistant Divisional Officer from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service and Steve Darby from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service took part in an Operation Florian visit to Ecuador last summer. Read their story....