Manawatu Volunteer Fire Brigade

🔥 While fire danger is expected to rise gradually through spring, strong westerly winds may bring periods of elevated fire danger in some regions

🌱 As spring progresses clear dead and dry vegetation from around buildings, make sure emergency vehicles can easily access your property, ensure water supplies are available and keep spring grass growth under control

🍃 How quickly conditions change will depend on spring weather, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, and strong winds

🏡 Now is the time to get prepared. Review your plans, talk with your community, and take practical steps to reduce fire risk before conditions become more challenging

For more information go to: checkitsalright.nz/prepare-for-wildfire

🌿🐦 Spring is almost here and that means nesting season is about to begin! 🐦🌿

As the weather warms up, birds may start looking for sheltered places to build their nests 🪺 including under the bonnets of cars, tractors and other machinery. 🚗🚜

Before starting a vehicle or piece of machinery that hasn’t been used for a while, take a moment to check for:

✔️ Nests, twigs, hay or other nesting material
✔️ Signs that birds may have made a home under the bonnet or around the engine
✔️ Any debris that could become a fire hazard once the engine heats up 🔥

A quick check could help protect our feathered friends and prevent a potential fire. 💙🚒

Spring is a great reminder to check before you start! 🐦🚗

🔥 DISTRICT FIREFIGHTERS DEPLOYED TO THE USA 🔥

We’re incredibly proud of our four District firefighters who have deployed to the USA as part of the latest major international wildfire deployment:

👨‍🚒 Elliot Cowley – Crew Leader, Manawatu VFB
👨‍🚒 Aaron Hartley – Deputy Controller, Whanganui VFB
👨‍🚒 Stu Bunn – Crew Leader, Ruapehu VFB
👨‍🚒 Piet Strulik – Senior Firefighter, Palmerston North FB

A huge thank you to Elliot, Aaron, Stu and Piet, as well as all the other members of the contingent who have left New Zealand to support firefighting efforts and communities affected by the wildfires. 🔥

Your commitment and willingness to help on the international stage is something to be proud of.

Stay safe and all the very best to the entire team! 🇳🇿❤️‍🔥🇺🇸

🚒 Manawatū, get ready! 🚒

The 2026 UFBA National Drivers Challenge is rolling into Manfeild, Feilding this weekend! Come and watch firefighters from across the country put their driving skills to the ultimate test; tackling precision, speed and control in a thrilling display of concentration and skill 🚨💨

Bring your whānau, cheer on the competitors, and experience the action up close!

📅 Friday 7 August: 11:00am – 3:00pm
📅 Saturday 8 August: 9:00am – 4:00pm

📍 Manfeild Track, Feilding

🔥 Entry is free – we can't wait to see you there! 🔥

🚒🌳 Can We Get to You in an Emergency? 🌳🚒

When an emergency happens, every second counts. If your property has a long driveway or private accessway, it's important to make sure our fire appliances can get to you quickly and safely.

Take a look at your driveway and check that it has:

✔️ At least 4 metres of width for emergency vehicles to pass through.
✔️ At least 4 metres of overhead clearance by trimming back overhanging trees and branches.
✔️ A clear path, free from parked vehicles, trailers, bins, or other obstacles.
✔️ Gates that can be opened easily and provide enough space for a fire appliance to enter.

🌿 Overgrown trees and narrow driveways can delay emergency crews when every minute matters.

A little maintenance today could make a big difference in an emergency.

🚒 Help us help you by keeping your driveway clear and accessible.

🔥🏡 Is Your Chimney Ready for Winter? 🏡🔥

Before lighting your fireplace for the first time this season, make sure your chimney has been cleaned and checked. A build-up of soot and creosote can increase the risk of a dangerous chimney fire.

🚒 Remember:
✔️ Have your chimney cleaned before the first fire of the season
✔️ Use only dry, seasoned firewood
✔️ Keep the area around your fireplace clear of anything that can burn

⚠️ If you notice smoke coming back into your home instead of going up the chimney, or your fire isn't drawing properly, stop using the fireplace until the chimney has been inspected. These could be signs of a blockage or other issue that needs attention.

A clean chimney means a safer, warmer winter for you and your whānau. ❄️💙

Wow what an incredible result!

A huge thank you to Kate from Turnaround for organising such an amazing event and for the incredible effort that went into making the Fashion Extravaganza Fundraiser such a success.

We’d also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank all of the local businesses who supported the event through sponsorship, covering event costs, and donating raffle prizes. Your generosity and backing makes a massive difference.

And finally, thank you to our amazing community for continuing to show up, support local causes, and get behind events like this. It’s support like this that truly strengthens our community.

🌺 Lest We Forget 🌺

This ANZAC Day, we honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all those who have served and continue to serve. 🕊️🎖️