Fire Brigade

Our greatest fear this summer was that the extremely dry conditions combined with an accidental spark igniting vegetation would result in a major fire event. There were 10 reported vegetation fires this season but we were fortunate only three became quite large. None of these resulted in loss of structures and all were contained within their location of origin. Several Wairarapa brigades and helicopters were responded to assist the Rural Fire Service control the fires. Given the potential for major incidents during the dry season, we appreciate the care and vigilance taken by the public during this period.

There were other emergency calls that were unusually difficult this summer. Three motor vehicle crashes resulted in several severely injured persons requiring extrication from vehicles. There were two hazardous materials callouts requiring containment and clean up, 2 calls to assist the ambulance and set up helicopter landing sites, one power line arcing at a house entrance box, one car upside down and abandoned on the golf course, and a flooded hallway at the Wharekaka Rest Home due to a burst pipe.

Winter is just ahead and the smell of wood fires has already been noted on a couple of cold mornings recently. Chimney fires occur quite often on that initial fire for the season due to dry scaling and soot build up in the chimney and even the occasional bird nest. It is good practice to have that chimney checked and cleaned before the first fire just to be sure all is ready for the wood burning season.

This report often asks for interested persons to join the brigade as a firefighter. We are beginning a new class of recruits with two already having been signed up this month. If you or someone you know may be interested, just contact any member or come along most Tuesdays at 7pm and say hello.
We are currently looking for a Non Operational Support person who would be the secretary for meetings, keep our reporting system up to date and provide other administrative support. The position is a full member of the brigade but is not required to attend emergency calls. We would really appreciate hearing from anyone who might be interested in this volunteer role. Call me on 021 905 808 or talk to a Brigade member.