Tinui firefighters to get a new base

TO GO: The old Tinui fire depot is be replaced. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Firefighters in Tinui have endured a leaking roof and vermin visiting their fire depot, but relief is in sight.

A new building for the Tinui Volunteer Rural Fire Force will replace the existing "tumbledown" old building, said Principal Rural Fire Officer for the Wairarapa Rural Fire District (WRFD) Phill Wishnowsky.

He said the new building was planned to be completed within the financial year.

The Masterton District Council, which owns the building, has approved the funding for the upgrade and the WRFD will also contribute financially.

"We've been wanting to do something there a long time now," said Mr Wishnowsky.

"It hasn't always been an option, now we are in a position where we have the opportunity."

He said part of the floor was dirt. Vermin could get in and the roof had leaks.

"We have very much got the need."

Mr Wishnowsky said the Tinui community and the 20 hard-working volunteers deserved to have a secure building to house their valuable equipment, gear and relatively new fire truck.

"We've got a really good team of volunteers," he said.

"It's the least we can do."

He said he wasn't sure how much it would cost yet as it was in the early planning stages but it wouldn't take a lot of time or effort to build.

"We hope to be able to include an area for training."

It would be similar to one built in Wainuioru, he said.