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Volunteers make up more than 85 per cent of New Zealand’s fire service and responded to some of the 77,465 call-outs nationally between July 2016 and June 2017. This figure was up 3.5 per cent from the previous financial year, although one in every three calls was a false alarm. Medicals made up the biggest proportion of the call-outs, with 11,681, followed by motor vehicle accidents and structure fires. Mahurangi Matters spoke with local volunteer fire brigades about the challenges they faced last year and how their role is changing.
Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade
Traffic accidents dominated the call-out list for the Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade last year.
In total, the station dealt with 284 calls – 95 were motor vehicle related – the second highest total in the last five years behind 300 calls recorded in 2014.
Station manager Devan Flewellyn says they have definitely noticed an increase in traffic incidents. He puts it down to population growth and increasing visitor numbers.
Vegetation fires were second on the list at 45, followed by 28 medicals, 19 structure fires and 12 car fires.
The remaining call-outs were false alarms, animal rescues and storm related issues.
“The Matakana sawmill fire was our biggest call-out last year. Thankfully, there were no fire-related fatalities and I think smoke alarms are a big driver behind that success.”
The station has 24 firefighters and six operational support, but is on the lookout for more volunteers.
“Ideally, we could do with another five people, especially if they are available during work hours as that is the hardest time to fill a truck.”
The Warkworth brigade will host its 75th Jubilee on Labour Weekend with a display of old and new appliances and a function at the Warkworth Town Hall.
Info: Devan 027 480 4836
Puhoi Volunteer Fire Brigade
The Puhoi Volunteer Fire Brigade’s proximity to SH1 means it is a moderately busy station.
The brigade responded to just under 100 call-outs last year, of which one-third were medical, one-third motor vehicle related and one-third fire related.
Fire chief Russell Green says the call-out number was on par with previous years, but an increase in calls over potential fire hazards was noticeable.
“Our biggest event was a truck that rolled on Schedewys Hill, which we were involved with for nine hours,” Russell says. “We have a number of shift workers that volunteer with us so managing the day call-outs isn’t such an issue.”
The station has 12 volunteers and would like around five more.
“That would mean we could send out a full truck every time there’s an emergency.”
Russell’s advice to the public this year is to be first-aid trained, have a house number easily visible to engine drivers from the road and easy access to your water tank if you have one.
Info: Russell 021 655 461
Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Brigade
Wild weather kept the Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Brigade busy last year with storms behind 20 per cent of its 103 call-outs.
Around 30 per cent of calls were to vegetation fires, 30 per cent medicals and 20 per cent structure fires.
Brigade senior station officer Robert Leslie says the call-out number is similar to other years, but the medical count has increased.
“We made an agreement in 2016 to assist the ambulance where possible so that is behind the increase,” Robert says.
The station also had four call-outs on New Year’s Eve which were all related to fireworks.
“There is no problem with fireworks during the winter, but we advise people not to let them off during summer when it’s dry.”
The station has 20 volunteers, but would like more volunteers to cover call-outs during work hours.
A new station is planned and will be built next to the ambulance station.
Fire Emergency New Zealand is covering the station cost of $1 million, but the brigade needs to raise $100,000 for a vehicle shelter that will house its utility van.
“We have $60,000 so far and we hope to be in the new building by the end of the year.”
Robert’s safety message: Don’t grow vegetation close to the house and use the correct charger for batteries.
Info: Robert 027 4984 008
Mahurangi East Fire Brigade
The Mahurangi East crew spent 80 per cent of their response time attending medicals last year.
The remaining call-outs were split evenly between structure fires and motor vehicle accidents.
Senior station officer Jason Connolly says the total call count of 197 was nothing out of the ordinary.
“We usually do between 150 and 200 each year, and we attend a lot of medicals for elderly people in Algies Bay, which is why that figure is so high,” Jason says.
The station has 10 firefighters, four station officers, three recruits and three operational support people.
“We would like double the number of firefighters we have and especially those who can attend call-outs during work hours.”
Jason encourages everyone to make sure their house is fitted appropriately with operational smoke alarms. The fire brigade can install them if needed.
Info: Jason 027 2737 679
Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade
A record of 138 call-outs hit the Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade last year, well above the average of 85.
This total was dominated by 67 medicals, followed by 17 vegetation fires, 14 structure fires, 14 motor vehicle accidents and 26 other calls.
Leigh volunteer Tony Enderby says the reason for the sharp increase is unclear, but could be related to a rise in support work for Matakana.
The station has 18 volunteers, but would like to have at least 22, as well as a new truck.
“The truck we have lacks both good water capacity and space for equipment, and is less advanced than any other station vehicle in this area,” Tony says.
“We have been knocking on the door of Fire and Emergency New Zealand for a while now and haven’t had any confirmation of a new truck yet.”
Info: Tony 021 1671 524
Ahuroa Volunteer Fire Brigade
As the roads get busier, Ahuroa Volunteer Fire Brigade does as well, with an increase of traffic on State Highway 16.
Chief fire officer Alistair Todd says the brigade dealt with 14 vehicle accidents in the 12 months to July 2017, a figure that is on the rise.
“More people are using SH16 as an alternative to SH1 and this is resulting in more accidents,” Alistair says.
The station had a total of 69 call-outs during the reporting period, up from 58 in the previous 12 month, with 25 medicals, 17 fires, eight suspicious car fires and five other incidents.
The biggest call-out for Ahuroa was a fire at Araparera forest, which took two days to control before re-igniting around a fortnight later, due to a change in wind direction.
The brigade has 11 volunteers, but would like 15, including a set number who are available during the day.
The station took delivery of a new four-wheel drive truck last year, which can get to fires in difficult rural terrain.
Alistair says people need to stay focused. He has already attended two accidents this year where the drivers unnecessarily crossed the centre line, into oncoming traffic.
Info: Alistair 022 2299 317
Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade
The Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade continues to focus on rescue and medical events making up 37 per cent off its call-outs over the past five years.
From July 2016 to July 2017, the brigade dealt with 244 call-outs and since then has been involved with 108.
Fires make up 20 per cent of the five-year call-out breakdown, while other calls were split between false alarms, storms and other reasons.
Deputy chief fire officer Trevor Bowmar says the biggest change has been a reduction in vehicle accidents since the Dome Valley speed limit was lowered to 80kmph.
The station has 34 volunteers, but is looking for a new secretary and is doing a recruitment drive for people who can respond to day call-outs.
“It would be great to have someone who can manage the administration part-time so the firefighters can focus on their main job,” Trevor says.
He advises that people check their smoke alarms are working properly and have an escape plan organised.
Info: Trevor 021 423 766
The Kaiwaka brigade was unavailable for comment, and Matakana was covered in the MM Jan 17 edition.
