Download PDF: Issue 63 - New Zealand Fire Service

Post Earthquake
Christchurch brigade
celebrates 150 years
A century and a half of fire fighting, comradeship, progress and community spirit will be
celebrated during the Christchurch brigade’s anniversary being held over three days at
the end of this month. It will also be an opportunity to celebrate the region’s response to
the recent earthquake.
The highlight will be a parade of
old and new fire appliances on
Saturday 30 October. Over two
dozen fire appliances from
throughout the decades will be
driven from the Central Fire Station
to Cathedral Square. The oldest to
be turned out will be an 1886
Johnston fire escape ladder known
as the ‘Vulcan’ and a 1901 steam
horse-drawn pump. Once at the
Square they will be put on display
alongside uniforms and equipment
from the different periods.
The public will also have a chance
to try their hand at some of the
physical competency test activities,
watch the kitchen fire demonstrator
and share their stories and
memories with past and present
members of the Fire Service.
No doubt many more stories will
be told at the brigade dinner on
Saturday night. More than 200
people will attend the function,
which is being held at the Wigram
Air Force Museum.
Christchurch is believed to be the
oldest brigade in the country and
its firefighters battled the country’s
deadliest blaze. In November 1947,
41 people died in the fire at the
Ballantynes department store. The
resulting Commission of Inquiry
recommended major changes to
fire prevention and fire fighting and
led to the introduction of new
building regulations and fire safety
procedures.
20 Issue No. 63
Dennis No1, Christchurch City Fire Brigade 1904
1954 Dennis F8