Firefighters put skills on show

Firemen cut the roof off a car in an accident simulation at the Havelock North Volunteer Fire Brigade's open day on Saturday. Photo / Duncan Brown

Chattering choppers and foam on flames kept hundreds of people entertained at the Havelock North Volunteer Fire Brigade's open day on Saturday.

Hawke's Bay Helicopters made two runs emptying a monsoon bucket after it was filled with 500 litres of water by Heretaunga rural firemen.

The crowd was also given live displays on how to deal with kitchen fires and car fires. In a motor vehicle accident simulation, the roof was cut off a car and actors with realistic-looking injuries were treated by St John ambulance.

Chief fire officer Rod Triplow said the open day was to make the local community more aware of fire hazards and the role the local Fire Service played. He said the support from St John and fire crews from Rural Fire, Napier, Taradale and Hastings was "fantastic".

"A lot of people don't realise we are all volunteers - they just think it's our job."

There are 28 volunteers at Havelock North. About 80 per cent of the country's fire crews are volunteers.

Mr Triplow said it was thanks to public-spirited employers the service was able to protect its community.

He works in the joinery division of Gemco Construction, about 400m from the station.

"When I started there eight years ago the boss said it was their contribution to the community."

All parts of the station were open to the public. Information on fire safety was available through both static and live displays.