The Rotorua Volunteer Fire Brigade was initially formed on 10 March 1905. A meeting chaired by Mr H. Strong and attended by 6 other interested parties met to discuss the formation of a Brigade. Members present were: Messrs H. Strong (Chairman), G. McAuley (Secretary), J. Landell, J. Munro, H. Fitzgerald, W. Stewart and C. Tattersall.
The Brigade was formed as a result of several serious fires in the years immediately prior to 1905. Concerned citizens got together and formed the first Brigade.
The newly formed Brigade fought a major fire in the Grand Hotel on 2 May 1905. History was to repeat itself when the Grand Hotel again suffered major damage in a fire on 18 December 1973. The Brigade’s firefighting equipment at this time was a man-powered two-wheeled ‘Hose Reel’. A huge device with 6’ diameter wheels with fire hoses wound around the central portion. Various other items of equipment were attached to the reel by hooks.
First Social function—social and dance at the Assembly Hall on 31 August 1906, a great success.
The Brigade came under the control of the Rotorua Fire Board in 1913.
The formation of a National Fire Service under the control of the New Zealand Fire Service Commission saw the dissolution of the Fire Board in April 1976.
The Brigade has grown over the years as the City has expanded. The move to the Brigade’s present Headquarters in Amohau Street was undertaken in 1957 when the original Fire Station in Haupapa Street became too small.
The size of the Brigade has been increased during recent years by the amalgamation of the Mamaku and Ngongotaha Brigades into the Rotorua Brigade. 1976 saw the formation of the Lake Rotoma Auxiliary unit which is presently awaiting construction of a new Fire Station to replace the present temporary structure.
The future of the Rotorua Brigade for the coming 25 years leading to its Centennial Year looks bright. The continued updating of fire appliances and equipment is in progress. At the time of printing a new aerial appliance is under construction for the Rotorua Brigade. The Brigade has been commanded by eight Chief Fire Officers over the past 75 years.
The Brigade was formed as a result of several serious fires in the years immediately prior to 1905. Concerned citizens got together and formed the first Brigade.
The newly formed Brigade fought a major fire in the Grand Hotel on 2 May 1905. History was to repeat itself when the Grand Hotel again suffered major damage in a fire on 18 December 1973. The Brigade’s firefighting equipment at this time was a man-powered two-wheeled ‘Hose Reel’. A huge device with 6’ diameter wheels with fire hoses wound around the central portion. Various other items of equipment were attached to the reel by hooks.
First Social function—social and dance at the Assembly Hall on 31 August 1906, a great success.
The Brigade came under the control of the Rotorua Fire Board in 1913.
The formation of a National Fire Service under the control of the New Zealand Fire Service Commission saw the dissolution of the Fire Board in April 1976.
The Brigade has grown over the years as the City has expanded. The move to the Brigade’s present Headquarters in Amohau Street was undertaken in 1957 when the original Fire Station in Haupapa Street became too small.
The size of the Brigade has been increased during recent years by the amalgamation of the Mamaku and Ngongotaha Brigades into the Rotorua Brigade. 1976 saw the formation of the Lake Rotoma Auxiliary unit which is presently awaiting construction of a new Fire Station to replace the present temporary structure.
The future of the Rotorua Brigade for the coming 25 years leading to its Centennial Year looks bright. The continued updating of fire appliances and equipment is in progress. At the time of printing a new aerial appliance is under construction for the Rotorua Brigade. The Brigade has been commanded by eight Chief Fire Officers over the past 75 years.
| Years 1905 1905–1918 1918–1919 1919–1950 1951–1964 1964–1972 1972–1977 1977– | Chief Fire Officer Captain H. Strong Captain W.E. Bennett Superintendent W.D. Tucker Superintendent T. Anderson Chief Fire Officer W.C. Clark (first full-time Chief Officer) Chief Fire Officer R.D. Stone Chief Fire Officer E.G. Evans Chief Fire Officer J. Viner |
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