Dannevirke: Fired-up for ultimate off-road test

Andrew Simpson of Feilding (second from left) instructs rural firefighters from Weber, Aktio, Tiraumea, Dannevirke and Horowhenua on safe driving off-road. Photo/Christine McKay

When you're racing to a fire, adrenalin pumping, taking a 5000-litre fire tanker off-road takes skill and knowledge rural firefighters learned at Weber recently.

"It's important we've got firefighters thinking about their options when they off-road and up hills with a heck of a load on behind," said instructor Andrew Simpson, the training manager from CARNZ Training in Feilding.

Rural firefighters from Weber, Akitio, Tiraumea and Horowhenua were joined by Dannevirke Fire Brigade volunteers for the intensive day of theory and practical training.

"Driving heavy tankers and fire appliances off-road can be a hazardous occupation and, to try and mitigate this, we run this professional training," said Paddy Driver, the Tararua District Council's principal rural fire officer.

"We don't allow firefighters to drive off-road unless they've completed this course and are assessed as competent."

With the Weber brigade one of the busiest rural brigades, firefighter Ken Cameron said the course was "great". Practical skills such as stall recovery, traction, momentum and gravity provided some valuable lessons, the firefighters said.

"If you lose traction what do you do?" Mr Simpson asked. "On a wet day up on these hills, you could be sliding back and you have to know how to get out of that situation.

"It's about being proactive and making it safe for yourselves.

"You need to be thinking all the time, or it could be hard on your undies."