Call for more fire volunteers

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT: The New Zealand fire service has put a call out during national Volunteer Week this week for more people to join the ranks of their volunteers in Tairawhiti. Volunteers from the Te Karaka and Whatatutu brigades tackled this large shed fire back in mid-January. File picture

THE fire service has a call out for more people to join the ranks of the firefighter volunteers in this district as part of National Volunteer Awareness Week this week.

More than 11,600 people volunteer as firefighters around New Zealand and in Tairawhiti the figure is around 100.

Assistant area fire commander Peter Clark said the district was currently 60 firefighters short of the number required to provide full numbers at each brigade.

“There is no particular area where we are short. It is across the region. It is not a problem for us but we are always on the lookout for more volunteers and this week is a good chance to remind people of the opportunity the fire service presents.

“Also as part of the week we would like to celebrate and congratulate the volunteer firefighters we do have for their many hours of dedication.”

There are 12 volunteer fire brigades in Tairawhiti.

“We are looking for people who are community orientated and want to help out in their communities,” Mr Clark said.

“They need to have an average fitness level but there is a variety of roles available, basically a role for everyone from the age of 16 upwards.”

There are volunteer firefighters here in their late 60s and even one in his 70s. Some have been with the fire service for most of their adult lives.”

Mr Clark said the volunteers serve their communities in a variety of ways.

“It is not all about putting out fires. They help out in adverse weather events like flooding, earthquakes and tsunami, medical emergencies and of course at a range of accident situations, particularly motor vehicle accidents.

“It is a very worthwhile and satisfying organisation to be part of,” Mr Clark said.

“Those interested in joining can contact their local fire brigade. Find out who your senior fire officer is and take it from there."