As I’m sure you’re all aware by now, the Greenhithe Fire Brigade is a volunteer brigade i.e. there are no full-time paid staff.  The Brigade currently has an establishment of 19 members; a chief fire officer, a deputy chief fire officer, two station officers, two senior firefighters and 13 firefighters.  Together, we have clocked up over 160 years of free community service to the Greenhithe community and the New Zealand Fire Service!  From when the siren is activated, any time of the day or night, we have our appliance rolling within five minutes as required by volunteer brigades throughout the country.

Monday is our training night.  Training is vitally important to a brigade of our size because of the relatively small number of calls we attend.  Our 2010 training programme will cover the usual topics (hazardous substances, motor vehicle accidents, hose and ladder drills, first aid, rural firefighting etc.) but we’ll also focus on getting four members through the thorough qualified firefighter course, and another four through the demanding senior firefighter course.  Good luck to all members attending New Zealand Fire Service training courses during 2010!!

At this time of the year, caravans and sleep outs are often used as extra sleeping and living areas.  Please remember that the fire danger in both these environments is much, much higher than in a typical home.  Some useful tips:

• Fit a smoke alarm and test it once a week (use a photoelectric alarm) – velcro the alarm to the ceiling so it can be removed when cooking
• NEVER leave children alone in your caravan, keep matches and lighters out of their reach and remember – Matches, candles & lighters are tools not toys!
• For lighting, use proper lighting units or torches – DO NOT USE CANDLES, THEY ARE TOO DANGEROUS
• Practice your escape plan – keep a clear path to the door and escape windows

Most Greenhithe residents are now on town water supply but there are still a few areas that are not. If you are in one of these areas, in summer you need to be especially careful around your homes.  If you have a water tank or swimming pool, keep it as full as possible as this could help in the unfortunate event of a large fire.

In brigade news this month, the Brigade will be playing its annual cricket match against the Dairy in February...we have high hopes for a win this year!!  We’ll also be flying the Greenhithe flag at the National Fire Service 7-a-side Football Tournament in late January, and the National Fire Service Touch Tournament in February.  Good luck to all members playing in both those events!

And big congratulations to Steve Hey who has passed his senior firefighter course at the end of last year with flying colours.

We look forward to a challenging year and continuing to serve our community to the best of our ability. This column provides us with the opportunity to keep you informed about the activities we undertake on behalf of and for the benefit of the Greenhithe community.  We hope you take the time to read the column and stay up to date on what is happening within the brigade and the projects that we are planning to undertake.

Concluding word…life is like a lamp flame; it needs a little oil now and then.

Firefighter Isabelle LARDEUX-GILLOUX