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The new Mangawhai fire station became operational last month, complete with modern features including truck exhaust suction pipes, a positive pressure ventilation system and a new communications centre.
When a fire alert is triggered, the new communications system sends a text message to fire volunteers who can respond on their phones.
The system then automatically updates a live list of attendees, which is displayed on a TV in the station.
Chief fire officer Robert Leslie said the system was developed by Mangawhai’s Ross Parkes and the fire service was looking at implementing a similar service nationally.
At a ceremony on Saturday, November 2, Robert paid tribute to the Mangawhai community, which had donated funds through a ‘friends of the brigade’ programme, helping to complete the station.
There was also a violin performance by 10-year-old Benedict, who busked in his weekends to raise money for the brigade.
Robert said the new station in Mangawhai was the only one in the world with a mauri stone embedded in it.
He said it had been provided by Ngati Whatua and the idea was that by touching the carved stone, fire volunteers could drain their stresses and thoughts into the earth.
Robert thanked the employers and families of brigade volunteers who had supported them in the fire service.
He said the fact that the station had gone from 13 to 28 members in the last two years showed that the brigade was in good health.
