Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade’s newly renovated station
With major renovations now complete, historic fire engines and a few historic firefighters are set to star during an open day at the Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Station.
Firefighters past and present are looking forward to looking back on 101 years of service as the crew celebrates the brigade’s belated centenary.
The Ballance Street station’s doors will be open to the public on March 7.
Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade’s newly renovated station
While visitors will tour a genuine, working fire station, there will be much more on show including vintage equipment and fire appliances.
“Our original 1958 Commer Carmichael fire engine will be on site,” fire chief Neville King said. “It’s been in storage for about 20 years. We’ll have a 1938 single axle Ford trailer pump here as well – they were used a lot in rural areas and even to supply water to towns during the Second World War.”
The event will include smaller exhibits and activities for children.
“We’re holding an exhibition about the history of the brigade with a lot of old photos and so forth, including all the old gear, and we’ve also put together a book,” said King.
“There’ll be fire kits, dress-up uniforms and helmets for the kids we’ll also put on a demonstration cutting up cars with the Jaws of Life.”
Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade chief, Neville King
Plenty of old yarns are expected as the centenary is providing the perfect opportunity for a reunion.
“Quite a few people will be coming back – from here, there and everywhere – after many years including some volunteers from 10, 15 years ago. Some of them would be in their 80s or so by now.”
The centenary was postponed from last year due to renovations at the station, including the addition of a new vehicle bay.
“It’s for the tanker and because we have a new ute – we now have four vehicles in total, two fire appliances, one tanker and the ute. The new engine bay means that we can have everything all in one place.”
The station has also received much-needed refurbishment throughout, King said.
“It’s all been done up. We wanted to update everything and we had a very generous person donate some money towards the kitchen and the canteen.”
After the open day, King, his team and guests will toast the brigade at a formal dinner where, it’s likely, even more old stories will be told.
