FIRE BRIGADE REPORT

The Brigade held its 113th Annual General Meeting, late August and due to FENZ Covid restrictions on gatherings, we were unable to host our adjoining Brigades but great to see some of our Life Members. The CFO Report is below and a big congratulations from us all  to FF Melissa O’Brien the winner of the sought after Charlie Johns Shield for most attendances, great to see new Firefighters leading the way. The Chief also presented SFF Matt Taylor with his Certificate.

We welcome new recruit FF Brett Townsend  to the Brigade to start his training toward becoming a Firefighter, and as well we have a couple more people in the wings looking to join. If you are seeking a challenge and want to help your community come down on a Tuesday night and meet us.

Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade (MVFB) 113^th Annual Report of the Chief Fire Officer

I extend a welcome to Life Members, FENZ representatives and fellow Members of the Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade. 

Firstly, I would like to thank Members of the MVFB and their partners for the time and effort they have all given during the year. Without your efforts it would have been impossible to actually have a Brigade.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we couldn’t have our neighbouring brigades with us this evening. They were most disappointed when I called them yesterday to cancel their invitations. Covid-19 has been a testing time, with major functions having to be postponed, no inter-Brigade training, and not a lot of social interaction. So, thanks to all for following the guidelines at this trying time. Fortunately our callout numbers have been down over this period.

From 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 we have attended sixty-eight incidents consisting of:

8   Motor vehicle accidents. 5   Special service. 20 Vegetation fires. 8   Assistance to the public (Medical). 5   Other fires. 5   Structure fires. 2   Mobile property fires. 2   Power lines down. 13 Good intent calls

Although incident numbers may be down it’s been the opposite with training. Simon Daly, Hamish Rees, Hannah Kennish and Melissa O’Brien all completed the Recruit Fire Fighting Course. Matthew Taylor completed the Qualified Fire Fighter course while Lisa-Marie Ireland, Rob Brown and Wayne Thomas completed the Senior Fire Fighter course. Next week Matthew McQuaid and Brad Aldridge are off to Linton Army Camp to do the Senior Fire Fighter course, and we also have four Members on Pump Operator, and Driver courses.

So, a very big thank you to you all for all your efforts and a special thanks to all those people in the background helping out. It certainly makes the Chief Fire Officer’s job a lot easier.   Jake Hawkins, Chief Fire Officer, MVFB

Remember if you require help or assistance in an emergency, at anytime dial 111.