FIRE BRIGADE REPORT 

The season has changed and we are now having lovely autumn nights with those crisper evenings, the firewood is in and no doubt the first fire has been lit. 

Have you had your chimney swept ?? A major contributor to house fires are chimneys and many insurance companies require you to have an annual sweep to maintain cover. 

The other really important chore you should have completed is checking your smoke alarm works and changing the battery if it is an older style one. If you are elderly we can help you do this, just contact Chief Jake Hawkins – 0272-559-440 if you need us to do this for you.

Congratulations to Charles Beijen on completing his Volunteer Firefighter Recruits Course, well done Charles !

Medical Response makes up around 60% of our calls now, with over 55 medical calls undertaken by our First Responders so far this year, that’s a call every second day on average and the record is 4 in a 24 hour period. A big thanks to the current group of First Responders in the Brigade who have made this commitment and are making a big difference in the community, providing vital patient care until an ambulance arrives. 

Our current Medical Response recruitment is well underway with training planned to take place starting mid-late winter.

Remember you only hear the fire siren alert the crews when one of the Appliances moves, not for the Medical Response Unit which has a alternative turnout system helping to protect your privacy.

As the borders open we seem to be again seeing a slight spike in COVID cases, and with cases being managed along with home isolation please ensure that if our Medical First Responders arrive at your house or business, that you are wearing an appropriate mask and answer any questions around symptoms or tests honestly, to ensure our Responders are able to be best protected with additional PPE, and we can continue to provide medical support to the Community.

If you are interested in becoming a Firefighter or a dedicated Medical Responder (you can be both if you want !) please contact our Chief Jake Hawkins directly by emailing – Jacob.hawkins@fireandemergency.nz.