Community servant Jake Hawkins hands over Helmet

Retiring Fire Chief Jake Hawkins joined Martinborough’s Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1994 _ 30 years ago. 

“Two weekends were committed to our training in Masterton. We learned how to ride the firetruck and how to use the breathing apparatus. That was the sum total of our training.

We were issued a woollen jacket, silver trousers and a helmet which did not really provide face protection. The breathing apparatus was extraordinarily basic. When the siren went, we had five minutes to get to the station.

My first fire was at Stan Waugh’s sawmill on Princess and New York St. The whole mill went up in smoke. We managed to save the office with all the paperwork intact, but nothing more. The cause of the fire was unknown. It was believed that some shavings had caught alight.

A Ford truck, and a Landrover were our only vehicles. It was not until 1995 that a second truck was purchased. We relied on portable pumps from local areas. 

The County Council had a tanker. There were others in Carterton, Masterton and Upper Hutt. Grays Contracting in Greytown also provided their tanker when needed.

In 2010 the Fire Station was recommissioned for earthquake strengthening. In the reconstruction we lost the tower and the fire pole.

Of the numerous fires that have occurred during the years, some stand out. 

The fire at Bush Gully Rd was mammoth. A forestry plantation burned for weeks. Six helicopters flew day and night, taking water from local streams. The exhaust on our pump became so hot from pumping continuously that it was glowing red hot before we managed to get the burn under control.

A week later the farm manager on the property decided to test his rifle. A flash from the muzzle caught the grass. In seconds it was alight, and we were called back. Mercifully, the blaze was rapidly contained.

The controlled burn of an old shed at Tablelands provided more than an element of surprise. Forgotten ammunition suddenly exploded. Pops and bangs caused a temporary retreat.

Then there was the time we were cleaning up after a fire. One of our firefighters was on the roof confirming that all was well. And so it was, until he put his foot through the roof and ended up tumbling down on the floor. There was quite a lot of ribbing after that episode.

Since I joined the Fire Brigade there have been significant changes, particularly with Fire Safety messages. Most houses have smoke alarms. There are reminders for chimneys to be swept and to remove lint from clothes driers. Children are taught how to escape from a house full of smoke. 

In dry weather fire bans are imposed. Residents are asked to keep dead vegetation under control. These simple messages are getting through.

Another significant change has been the introduction of the Fire Service as first responders for traffic accidents. In early 2000, all staff were trained for Vehicle Crash Rescue (with) 250 hours of training … required to gain competency. We also have some ex medical staff who can support us if required.

We were very proud that the Martinborough team won the UFBA Wellington Road Crash Rescue Challenge for six years in a row.

Now we respond to medical emergencies too. Since the beginning of this year, we have attended 250 medical call outs.

Training plays a crucial role in maintaining skills so there are now training sessions every Tuesday night. 

New Technology has enabled our equipment to be first rate. We have some of the best firefighting gear in the world. Breathing apparatus has improved markedly and the garments we wear have a carcinogenic absorbing barrier providing much greater temperature resistance. 

The apertures on fire branches or the nozzles of the hoses can be altered at the touch of a dial, increasing or decreasing the amount of water sprayed and the reach of the spray. The droplets can be altered. Foam capability is another option.

We now have 22 staff. All are volunteers and nine women have joined the Fire Brigade.

After 31 years of service and six as Chief Fire Officer I am retiring. Lisa Marie Ireland will be our new Chief Fire Officer and I wish her well.

I certainly could not be prouder of all the advancements we have made. Receiving my Gold Star after 25 years of service was a real highlight. 

The lives we have saved and the people we have helped has been a very special part of my job.

Now when I hear the siren I will have to remember not to leap out of bed.”