Download PDF: Issue 32 - New Zealand Fire Service

Photo courtesy of Northern News
In November 2005, the Kaikohe New World was razed to
the ground by fire. This rammed home the importance of
fire safety to the manager, Bernie McGinty. Having
witnessed the devastation the fire left, he did not want to
see this happen elsewhere in the community.
Almost a year to the day later, the Kaikohe New World
rose from the ashes and was re-opened with all the
expected pomp and ceremony. Part of the opening
celebration saw the Kaikohe brigade spend several days
in-store promoting escape plans, home sprinklers, and
smoke alarms. The supermarket provided some smoke
alarms for giveaway.
A young mother was given 4 alarms for her rental property
in rural Omanaia and installed them just prior to Christmas.
On 10 January 2007 this year at 11.30, the alarms
activated, alerting the family to a developing fire.
The family all escaped; unfortunately, a combination of
the speed of the fire, the brigade travel distance and
meagre water supplies, the house could not be saved.
Incidents
The prevention work we do
does make a difference
Sometimes there are grumbles around the place as to the level of fire safety promotion
we have to do, but then we hear that fire safety activity has directly resulted in saving
lives and it becomes clear why we do it.
Bernie McGinty did not need to have the fire brigade in
his store. He could have utilised the space during opening
week for a more profitable venture. Instead he knew the
importance of promoting fire safety and passed that
information on to customers as they took advantage of
the opening week’s specials.
All the promotion needed, was staff with static display
material, good advice, and a cheery disposition. It was
simple, involved minimal brigade staff, but was clearly
very effective.
Kaikohe CFO Bill Hutchinson is a proud supporter of fire
safety within his fire district. He encourages all members
to do their bit, whether at their workplace, home, or even
socially. Fire prevention activity is just as important as the
big red trucks.
Maybe this kind of attitude filtering from the Chief
through the ranks is why the Kaikohe Fire Brigade won
the National Commanders Station of the Year Award
a couple of years back.
The burnt out remains
of the house in Omanaia.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine August 2007
11