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Chief Fire Officers Annual Repot
June 2005 - July 2006
 This reporting year has lived up to what has become the norm for the brigade over the past few years. A year of frantic activity on the fire front during the summer period, steady and varied call rates for the rest of the year with the required commitment of our members to be trained and deliver to the public at large the services they expect from the New Zealand Fire Service.
Training continues to be a major focus for the brigade, and during the year it was pleasing to see a change in direction by the training committee to the style of activity undertaken on our regular Wednesday night program. It is always a challenge to introduce something new, but indications are things have progressed very well. A number of members have taken the opportunity to be involved in additional training activities such as Vector Command, regional courses, BA cylinder filling certification, as well as having another officer attend the command and control course in Australia. It continues to be essential as a brigade that we grasp any and all learning capabilities at our disposal, which will in turn assist us with the maintaining of high standards we set for ourselves.
As I eluded to in the introduction, the summer period had the brigade extremely busy and no doubt you will recall a number of the incidents including the sawmill, numerous hay bales, riverbed area and as it seemed at one stage, anything outside that might burn, did. 50 calls in January and 100 by March the 6th, a true test of our ability as a fire brigade to deliver and deliver well. The brigade continues to be called at various times, to incidents other than fires. Minor fuel spills, animal rescues, medical assists, vehicle accidents with a wide range of outcomes and other services of which the public or comms or maybe the Police think we may be able to offer a level of assistance. While at times it probably goes through your mind as it does mine, why are we here? it is most likely to be a reflection of the public’s position it takes of the fire service. The most trusted organization in the country, and an organization that can deliver in most circumstances. In reality it goes with the territory. The 12th of June 2006 saw us with another dilemma, snow, and plenty of it. It wasn’t difficult to measure 16 to 18 inches of snow anywhere within the town boundary. This bought with it a different set of challenges, not the least of them, getting the fire fighters to the station. We also had the issue of pager and power failure to contend with. The usual skills and equipment available to us through various means saw the brigade front up very well and yet again deliver its services to those in need. The weather did highlight a few issues in relation to preparedness and these will be addressed in due course. Special thanks must go to our local rural fire members who stationed their four wheel drive appliance on our station during the storm. A shining example of the cooperation we are privileged to have in this area.
Things in general continue to change and our station is no different. During the year the 62.1 appliance was changed from an International to an imported Dennis. While there have been a number of early issues with the truck it is proving to be a satisfactory appliance with ample locker space and over all a good performing vehicle. Communications play vital role within the brigade and to that end we have seen a new turnout system installed in the station. In addition to this the portable radio charging system has been vastly improved. External services to test pumps repair and check our main doors as well as a paint job for the appliance bay ensures our property is maintained to the levels we require. The brigade welcomes Warren Maslin as a full member of the brigade following time spent in Akaroa and Kaikoura brigades, and Geoff Allen has recently joined us as a probationary firefighter and he comes to us from the Greytown brigade.
A couple of points I wish to comment on are these. During the year I have noted a number of minor injuries to our firefighters either at a call or at training. While these are at a low level it is an opportune time to remind ourselves of the safe person concept the NZ Fire Service operates under. This includes using all available protective clothing as needed. We don’t want to be wrapped in cotton wool but keep a look out for yourself and your mate. The other point is the increase in recent times of brigade members being involved in court cases. This highlights a few issues. The first being, any member could end up in court in some capacity. If you have a fire with a level of suspicion, notify your officer, get it investigated and take your own notes. Involve the CFO or DCFO as soon as possible. The more prosecutions the more we become involved.
Socially the brigade has had a number of activities at various levels which included a Gold Star presentation and honours night. Congratulations to all who received service honours and in particular Station Officer Chris Price on receiving his UFBA Gold Star in recognition of 25 years service to the Ashburton brigade. The brigade also recognized the service of Gold Star member Warren Deuart for his service to brigade. Warren has retired from the brigade and we passed on our best wishes to him and his family.
I once again sincerely thank you as brigade members for your input to this organization. Your activities are many and include such things as fire safety presentations to school groups, station duty, training, and on it goes. Thanks as a given must go to your families, work mates and employers who quite often are the one who pick up the slack when we are busy with emergency calls. Given the down time I had this year a special debt of gratitude goes to Graeme Baker who ably picked up my part of the operation and highlighted the depth of skill we have in this brigade. Finally, thanks to those on the fringe, Alan McQuarters for his continued work around our station, those having an input at the Plains museum, and the locals we call on from time to time to provide us with services to help our cause.
The challenges are what give the accomplishments value.
Alan Burgess. CFO Ashburton VFB
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