FIRE BRIGADE REPORT 

APRIL 2023

Chief Fire Officer Jake Hawkins

The Brigade continues another steady month, with several serious motor vehicle accidents around our region along with our regular Medical First Response calls.

We had an excellent training opportunity with Ngawi, Lake Ferry and our lower Wairarapa Rescue Tender from Greytown, down at Ngawi with a simulated vehicle accident with a car off the road. It provided an exciting opportunity for newer members of all the Brigades to get their hands dirty, try out the equipment, sharpen skills and for some their first experiences in patient care during an extrication. Big thanks to Ngawi Brigade for organising and hosting this.

We continue to introduce our newly qualified firefighters and this month it’s the turn of John Crighton. John works for New Zealand Defence Force, he admits to 40+ years’ service, holding the rank of Commander in the Royal New Zealand Navy, where his current posting is in the Office of Strategy Management. John has been a resident of Martinborough for over 10 years, where he is able to relax by pottering around the house and sampling Martinborough’s fine wines. John brings a considerable number of skills developed during his Naval service and was very quick to sign up to the 200 hour Medical First Response training, which he is due to start as we go to press. John says, “The Brigade is a lot of fun for both young and not so young and encourages anyone wanting to contribute back to the community to join.” 

We have had a couple of cooler nights and it’s timely to remind everyone to ensure you have your chimney cleaned. A large number of autumn and winter house fires start with dirty chimneys.  Always burn dry wood to ensure creosote does not build up.

Remember if you smell smoke in your house or see smoke coming from a house then Dial 111 immediately, then get out and STAY out.

If you have any queries about assistance or response please don’t hesitate to contact me directly – CFO Jake Hawkins – 0272-559-440