New-look fire safety campaign proves hit

Sisters Lola (left) and Maisy McLeod-Riera were awarded certificates for their roles in a hard-hitting television commercial. Photo / Steven McNicholl

The Fire Service's popular school Get Firewise programme has been revamped - much to the delight of new entrants who can't get enough of the colourful resources, firefighter visits and shiny red fire engines.

The Auckland phase of the national educational programme, which has undergone a major overhaul, was announced at Kaurilands School in West Auckland yesterday afternoon.

Get Firewise teaches children key fire safety messages, relevant to their age group. Yesterday's start was aimed at Years 1 and 2 with the key messages being based around the importance of working smoke alarms, the dangers of matches and lighters and what to do in the event of a fire.

Fire Service spokesman Scott Sargentina said while the aim was to teach children, it was hoped they will remind their parents about the importance of fire safety.

The programme began after an assembly at the school during which sisters Lola and Maisy McLeod-Riera were acknowledged by the Fire Service for their roles in a hard-hitting fire safety advertisement which aims to shock people into realising the deadly consequences of leaving cooking unattended.