Ruapehu Seeking Rural Fire Volunteers

Community orientated people with a strong sense of personal responsibility toward protecting people and property are being sought to join Ruapehu’s northern rural fire crew based in Taumarunui.

Ruapehu Principal Rural Fire Officer, Nick Watson, said that the rural fire crew is a key part of Ruapehu’s core rescue and emergency response services.

“At the moment we seeking more men and women who have the required motivation and commitment to become rural fire fighters,” he said.

“Although we are in the middle of winter it is the best time to get new recruits on board so we can give them some training before the start of the official fire season which runs from 1st October until 30th April every year.”

“The Taumarunui based rural fire crew currently has 12 active members but we ideally need 20 plus to provide the depth we need over the summer months.”

Mr Watson said that the rural fire service which operates under the Ruapehu District Council has responsibility for fire control outside urban areas and DOC estates.

“Last fire season the rural fire crew attended 23 call outs.”

“Although rural fire volunteers have an emphasis on controlling vegetation fires we can get called out to a range of other fires.”

“We are not however called out to medical emergencies,” he said.

“To be a rural fire volunteer you need to be at least 17 years old and not have a criminal record.”

“Volunteers are provided with all the necessary equipment and training they need.”

Mr Watson stressed that people shouldn’t be nervous about looking into what’s involved.

“There are a number of roles that don’t require any firefighting so we really are looking for a wide range of people of different skills and abilities.”

“Rural fire is a true equal opportunities organisation,” he said.

“The most important motivation for anyone considering being a volunteer fire fighter is the desire to serve their community.”

Mr Watson added that if you talk with any volunteer fire fighter they will tell you that they derive tremendous personal satisfaction and value from volunteering and that it adds to their own sense of well-being and quality of life.

“It is not too much to state that without volunteer fire fighters the safety and security in our community that we all enjoy, and many are dependent on, would be seriously jeopardized.”

“They will also tell you that it can be a lot of fun.”

“If you feel this is you, or would just like to find out more about what is involved, please call me via your local council office.”

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