Fortunately, we have not had any serious call-outs this winter and only a few minor incidents. The Council’s active policy of gritting patches of the road that are prone to ice has helped with keeping the number of accidents down. However, given the number of recent frosts we have experienced, people still need to take care.
Recently, the brigade undertook a fundraising activity at the request of Fish and Game to demolish the old hut at Te Wairoa Stream on Lake Tarawera. This took eight members and two non-members all day to complete, filling three jumbo bins to capacity. Lunch for the troupe was kindly donated by Hell’s Pizzas and a great day was had by all.
Thanks to those local residents who take the time to inform me of permitted fires they are going to light in the area. Remember to adhere to local permit procedures and observe the fire bans this summer.
The brigade has been issued with a key to access the old ski club area which is now in the process of being redeveloped. Vehicle access to this area will be restricted to daylight hours which will hopefully reduce the amount of beach fires during the summer.
Special thanks to those new members of the brigade who gave up a weekend to sit basic firefighting NZQA papers. This readily shows the level of commitment these young adults have towards the brigade and the community, especially when others attending the course are paid by their respective organisations to do so.
For further information on the brigade or any other enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact me (Phone 362 8874).
Phil Muldoon
Chief Fire Officer