Ukrainian Red Cross supports Ukraine’s first and only all-women volunteer fire brigade in Odesa region

On the eve of 8 March, the Ukrainian Red Cross handed over sets of specialised clothing and firefighting equipment to the local volunteer fire brigade in the village of Krasnosilka, Odesa region.

Supporting volunteer fire brigades has already become a systematic area of work for the Ukrainian Red Cross across the country. However, this brigade stands out for an important reason: the Krasnosilka team is the first and currently the only volunteer fire brigade in Ukraine composed entirely of women. The unit currently includes 12 volunteers.

At a time when many men are defending Ukraine on the front line, Ukrainian women are increasingly taking on new roles in their communities, including becoming volunteer firefighters. The women of Krasnosilka have shown that they are ready to be among the first to respond when danger arises.

Supporting such initiatives is part of the Ukrainian Red Cross’s broader efforts to strengthen volunteer fire brigades across the country. The specialised clothing and equipment provided will help the Krasnosilka team carry out their duties effectively and safely, strengthening community safety and preparedness to respond to emergencies.

The equipment was handed over by the Civil Protection and Military–Civil Cooperation Department of the Ukrainian Red Cross, together with the Odesa regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross, with the support of the British Red Cross.