A crucial rural fire brigade which closed down at Matauri Bay two years ago helped save a house from a rogue grass fire just days after it was reinstated.
The Cavalli Rural Fire Party was disbanded in 2013 for various reasons including a drop in volunteer numbers. After a year of training, a new and reinvigorated fire party held its first training night on November 4. Four days later the volunteers were called on to help save a Wainui Rd house from a fire sparked by a tractor's mower blade.
Deputy principal rural fire officer Clinton Lyall said the Cavalli crew's absence for two seasons in a high-fire-risk area had been tough on the neighbouring Kaeo and Kerikeri brigades.
"They're a crucial brigade so it put a lot of pressure on other brigades and on their community, but they've come back stronger than ever. They're a really good, young, fit, keen group," Mr Lyall said. "From a Fire Authority perspective we're over the moon with the quality and dedication of these guys."
Mr Lyall said the eight volunteers, with two more ready to sign up, had not been given an easy ride. They had been trained and mentored for the past year by Department of Conservation firefighter Alan Macrae who is known for his high standards.
