Tinui firefighters will no longer have to worry if their fire appliance is in working order after they were given a new truck yesterday.
A small crowd turned out to see the Tinui Volunteer Rural Fire Force receive a purpose-built Isuzu rural fire appliance, which was to be handed over to the team by New Zealand Fire Service chairman Wyatt Creech.
Representatives from other fire forces, such as Tora, were also present.
Retired fire chief Rick Kellow said the new fire appliance was a necessity for the force to ensure they could do their job safely.
He said until now they had been using a 1978 Bedford fire appliance and the "pump was always having to be repaired".
The new truck has many new features, which include holding more water, having the proper fire foam and a public address system.
"It's got all the gear with it ... it's much easier to use," Mr Kellow said.
Wairarapa Rural Fire District principal rural fire officer Phil Wishnowsky said it was the fourth fire appliance to be given to a Wairarapa rural fire force since 2006.
The $160,000 vehicle was two-thirds subsidised by the National Rural Fire Authority and New Zealand Fire Service Commission.
"This is a fantastic example where we have been able to help the Tinui community and the Tinui Volunteer Rural Fire Force," he said yesterday.
He said this meant the force would be able to provide an adequate service to the community.
"New equipment like this also comes with the expectation that the volunteers will make sure that they are skilled, trained and fit to provide their protection service to the community."
Mr Wishnowsky said they hoped to be able to provide similar appliances to the remaining forces in the region.
"How quickly that happens will depend on when we can raise our share, and also provided the Fire Service Commission and National Rural Fire Authority are able to provide the subsidy."