Fire Brigade busy

Since early December there have been 15 callouts which is about the average number for the period. However, the very serious nature of some of these incidents made for a busy summer so far.

Three structure fires resulted in serious damage to buildings but further spread was kept in check by the Brigade and the additional resources brought in from surrounding towns. The Brigade trains with these towns to assure smooth operations in an emergency.

There were four motor vehicle accidents with two being quite serious, tragically resulting in the death of a person pinned under a vehicle. The Brigade was called to fight two serious vegetation fires which were also attended by Rural Brigades in our turnout area.

There were two alarm activations which turned out to be system malfunctions. As one of these was at a large facility and both trucks arriving fully crewed, an impromptu training session was organised, taking advantage of the use of the site for practicing initial attack procedures.

The Martinborough fire station has a new look as the hose drying tower that has stood for over 50 years is being replaced. Hose drying has not been required for many years but the tower was built to last by the then members of the Brigade, many of whom are still around and remember it being erected. The new pole takes less space and provides the height needed for the siren and antennae.