Fire truck speeds up response

Okaihau firefighters say their new state-of-the-art fire truck is getting them up the Far North's hills and to callouts quicker.

The brigade took delivery of a 2012 Iveco fire appliance last month and has had plenty of chances to test it while responding to car crashes, fires and medical emergencies.

Fire chief Andrew Graham said the new appliance did the same job as the old one, but was easier to operate and the extra locker space meant equipment could be found and deployed faster than with the cramped 1987 Hinto truck.

Extra horsepower also gave it another 20km/h up the hills, which meant firefighters were arriving sooner at callouts in the Mangamuka and Umawera area.

The brigade was still on the lookout for new volunteers, especially anyone available during the day.

Call Mr Graham on 021 246 4380 or visit the Okaihau Fire Station on Lake Rd on training night from 6.30pm every Monday.