Fire brigade open their doors

Motueka volunteer firefighters provide an extremely important service to our communities, and it’s not all about putting out fires.

The brigade respond to a wide variety of incidents including medical emergencies, car accidents, pet rescues, urban search and rescue, civil defence and natural disaster response.

The team say, just as important, is prevention, education and providing fire safety advice.

On Saturday, 9 December, Motueka Volunteer Fire Brigade are holding an open day to show the public what they do.

“We’re opening the doors to the community to show what we are about and what we do,” says senior firefighter and community fire risk liaison, Ashley Hendy.

At the MVFB Station in High St, there will be static displays, car cutting and breathing apparatus demonstrations, along with fire truck tours, and the brigade’s vintage Land Rover and V8 trailer pump will be on display.

With a sausage sizzle and ice creams, there’ll be lots for children to do including an escape maze which simulates escaping from a house.

Community members will be able to sign up for a free home fire safety visit which involves Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) members checking smoke alarms are correctly in place at your home and providing advice on how to keep family and pets safe in the event of a fire.

While MVFB have 31 operational and support firefighters, and several new members in training, they are always looking for more.

“There are lots of different roles in the brigade for people to be involved,” says Ashley.

“Recruitment information will be available, and it be a chance to find out what’s involved in being a volunteer firefighter.”