Northern South Island Regional Rural Fire Committee
Media release

10 October 2012

Rural Fire-Fighters Up For The Challenge

Rural fire-fighters will put their skills to the test in the annual rural Firefighter Challenge this week to prepare for what could be a hot, dry summer.

More than 30 fire-fighting crews representing 9 rural fire agencies – from Canterbury and the West Coast – will compete over three days, from 11 to 13 October, at Raincliff in South Canterbury.

The challenge provides an important opportunity for ‘real life’ experience and team work in a coordinated emergency response situation, says Department of Conservation fire officer Tony Teeling.

“We don’t get second chances when it comes to wildfires or other emergencies so it’s critical that rural fire agencies can work together to maximum effect.”

Mr Teeling says fire authorities are carefully watching the early predictions for the return of El Nino conditions this summer, which could result in extra-dry conditions for coastal and plains areas in Canterbury.

“Whether this occurs or not, we need to be prepared and the challenge has proven itself as one of the key ways of doing this.”

South Canterbury Rural Fire District principal fire officer, Rob Hands, says the tasks at Raincliff this year will stretch participants physically and mentally.

“Competing in a high-pressure environment gives fire-fighters an opportunity to test their skills and knowledge across a range of disciplines, as well as help up-skill less experienced team members.”

Up to 16 teams will compete against each other and the clock each day in tasks such as fire suppression, water-pumping, first aid and navigation.

“This year we’ve got a super surprise element that should really put them out of their comfort zones,” he says.

Fire authorities involved in the challenge include: Hurunui, Waimakariri, Selwyn and Ashburton district councils, Christchurch City Council, South Canterbury Rural Fire District, West Coast Rural Fire District, New Zealand Fire Service and the Department of Conservation Canterbury Conservancy.

ENDS

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