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Wellsford volunteer firefighters need to raise $100,000 to replace their current operational van, which was purchased 10 years ago.
A fishing competition will be held over Easter to help raise money to buy a replacement operational support van for the Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The van is used to transport extra crew to bigger incidents, as well as operational support crews to take care of traffic control while firefighters attend to an incident. It is also used to run supplies out during longer duration calls and as a courtesy van for brigade functions.
The brigade covers from the Dome to Kaiwaka, coast to coast, and many of its callouts are to properties where there is limited access for a fully loaded fire appliance. Operating without a 4WD has at times impaired its ability to respond.
“We have struggled on occasion to reach some incidents,” station officer Matthew Railey says.
“A recent call to a woman with multiple wasp stings had crews carrying medical equipment searching on foot in steep terrain. This caused a delay in help reaching her, but thankfully we had the rescue helicopter on hand to winch a paramedic in providing essential medical assistance.
“A 4×4 support vehicle would mean we could cover ground quicker and transport crews and heavy equipment like portable pumps to where they are needed, allowing firefighters to get on with the job with minimum of fuss.”
Wellsford currently has 27 operational members and responds to an average of 200 callouts a year.
The cost to buy and equip a suitable vehicle is around $100,000 and so far the volunteers have raised $10,000.
Matthew says the brigade is always keen to recruit hardworking, dedicated, fit and able volunteers.
Applicants need to live close to or work in town, be available day or night, and be prepared to commit to being part of a hardworking professional team.
If you think you have what it takes, get in touch through the brigade’s Facebook page or drop in on one of the regular Tuesday training nights.
Fired up for fishing comp
The Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade fishing competition will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 2 and 3. The weigh-in will be at the Wellsford Fire Station from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, with cash prizes for first and second.
“If you’re not a fisho, but love fresh fish, then the auction after the weigh-in will be the place to catch a bargain,” a spokesperson says.
Tickets are available from Wellsford Sports & Leisure, Hunting & Fishing Warkworth, Woodys Winners or contact Alastair on 027 7057 120. Ticket sales close March 26.
