Since the beginning of this year, the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade has attended to 17 urgent calls. Eight of these urgent call outs have occurred within six weeks – from 1st August to date.

In preparation for any emergency situation, Puaikura has its approximately 20 volunteers continuously trained for the battle against the blaze.

Learning how to wear a Breathing Apparatus (BA), a respiratory device that is worn by a firefighter when the air in the environment is not breathable, is part of the training for volunteers.

Puaikura volunteer, Tarina Moorfield said all their volunteers were BA trained.

She said the Breathing Apparatus worn by firefighters protects them from inhaling toxic chemicals and smoke created by the fire.

“Learning how to wear BA and work whilst wearing BA is a basic skill that all firefighters learn,” said Moorfield.

“Usually, it is taught by a senior firefighter in the brigade, but in our brigade, we have many experienced members who all share their skills and knowledge with the more junior members,”

Last week, a fire started by someone burning green waste under a tree caught fire and broke a large branch that narrowly missed landing on an accommodation building.

Fortunately, the quick-thinking guests called the Puaikura Fire Brigade who acted promptly.

Moorfield says when lighting rubbish fires it is always important to consider the following things:

• Are the wind conditions right – windy weather can make fires spread very quickly and embers can travel from the original fire and create smaller fires elsewhere.
• Dry weather – if we have not had rain for some time, it can increase the risk of a rubbish fire spreading and particularly when there are water shortages, it makes the firefighting of these fires very difficult.
• Location of the rubbish fire – burn rubbish in an open space where it cannot catch other trees or hedges on fire.
• And lastly, monitor and supervise the fire.

“It is important to be around to monitor the fire once you have lit it, also be prepared with a hose or water supply just in case it gets too big,” Moorfield added.

Meanwhile the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade has donated firefighting resources to the Aitutaki Volunteer Fire and Rescue Brigade.

Aitutaki’s fire brigade chairman Paul Maoate has received at least 10 hoses, seven helmets and two forestry dividers from Puaikura’s fire chief, Jason Moorfield, at the Aratea Fire Station in Aitutaki earlier this month.

Maoate was pleased and grateful for Puaikura’s continued support of fellow volunteers in the Pa Enua.

Later this month, the Puaikura Fire Brigade will receive its new Ex Matata 941 fire truck from Tauranga, New Zealand.

There are a few celebrations planned for next month, including the official handover and opening of the station extension and the blessing of their new equipment on Friday, October 18.

On October 19, the Puaikura Fire Brigade will be holding its annual awards night that will be attended by representatives from New Zealand.