Birmingham Airport donates firefighting gear in support of fire fighters’ charity

BHX recently strengthened the protection available to its Fire and Rescue Service, ensuring every firefighter now has two full sets of structural firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE).

The investment means that whenever one set of PPE is sent away for specialist cleaning and decontamination following an incident, firefighters immediately have a second operational set ready for use.

Whether responding to an aircraft incident, supporting the wider emergency services or carrying out training exercises, BHX’s firefighters depend on their equipment every day to help keep themselves and others safe.

The new gear combines modern protection, comfort, and flexibility and is designed to withstand the challenges of modern firefighting by providing enhanced protection against heat, smoke and contaminants.

Instead of letting their old gear end up in landfill, the BHX team made the conscious decision to donate it to Fire Fighters Charity, which provides lifelong support to serving and retired fire service personnel and their families across the UK.

The initiative forms part of the airport’s wider sustainability commitment to reducing waste and promoting reuse wherever possible. By repurposing equipment that is no longer operationally required, BHX is helping extend the lifespan of valuable resources and supporting a more circular approach to waste management.

This project, amongst many other waste management projects forming part of BHX’s Sustainability Strategy, will also help the airport achieve its target of 90% recycling and reuse by 2030.

Martin Shields, Head of Fire and Emergency Planning at Birmingham Airport Fire & Rescue, said, “Instead of letting these perfectly functional firefighting items go to waste, we are incredibly proud to see them repurposed to support our frontline colleagues. Supporting Fire Fighters Charity allows us to reduce our environmental footprint while directly contributing to the lifelong care of the UK’s fire service community.”

The equipment has already been picked up from BHX by the charity’s representatives for distribution to regional training grounds and community stations to assist local crews.

Debbie Rushbrooke, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Fire Fighters Charity, said: “Firefighters across the UK regularly take on challenges in fire kit to raise funds for us, while our Firefighter Experience Days give businesses the chance to do the same. Having access to this equipment will make a real difference. Every pound raised helps us continue providing vital care and support to firefighters, control colleagues and all those working in - or retired from - the fire and rescue service, as well as their families.”

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