CANTERBURY & WEST COAST REGIONAL RURAL FIRE COMMITTEE: Media release

7 October 2010

Rural firefighters rolling out a team challenge

This month the eighth annual rural firefighter challenge will be held in picturesque Raincliff in South Canterbury.

From October 14 to 16, over 35 crews—representing 10 rural fire agencies (from as far afield as Renwick and Franz Josef)—are set to pit their skills against each other.

Department of Conservation fire officer, Tony Teeling, says the challenge will further hone a co-ordinated response to emergency events—already tested during the earthquake.

“After those dramatic events, the fire crews will be well aware of just how important their role is in keeping communities safe,” Mr Teeling said.

He outlines that the pressure is on crews to stay at peak performance with weather projections for summer indicating the possibility of extremely dry conditions inland. Teeling also urges the public to do their bit in preparing for this possibility.

“With nerves still being jangled by aftershocks and the prospect of a long, hot La Nina summer producing tinder-dry conditions, the importance of being prepared for an emergency event is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

South Canterbury Rural Fire District principal fire officer, Rob Hands, says the tasks in the Raincliff challenge will be physically and mentally challenging.

“Friendly rivalry in a high-pressure environment really allows the firefighters to test their skills and demonstrate knowledge as well as mentoring newcomers,” he said.

Mr Hands says a maximum of 16 teams each day will compete against the clock in disciplines as diverse as a “live fire operation”, relay water-pumping, first aid, navigation and a so-far-secret “super task”.

“The challenge is all about developing teamwork and multi-agency co-operation should a serious event happen—be it fire, flood or earthquake.”

ENDS

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