New fire appliance for Maraetotara

Residents of Maraetotara now have extra help nearby in the event of a fire, with the commissioning of a new fire appliance for the Maraetotara Volunteer Rural Fire Force.

The increasing number of lifestyle properties in rural areas has put extra pressure on the resources of rural fire crews, particularly with drought conditions affecting many parts of the district each summer.

The new Maraetotara appliance is a four-wheel-drive vehicle with an 1800L water tank, pump and lockers for equipment. It will be permanently based at Maraetotara, but will also be available to support appliances involved in incidents throughout Hastings District.

The official handing-over of the appliance will be held at the Hastings District Council on Wednesday 2 April at 4.30pm by His Worship the Mayor, Lawrence Yule.

Among the invited guests will be Joy Angus, whose late husband Neil was instrumental in securing community funding for 1/3 of the truck’s $120,000 cost.

All media are welcome to attend.