Last year the Manly Fire Brigade attended 314 callouts, but less than half were fires. On the peninsula we are up to 25 minutes away from the St Johns ambulance station in Silverdale, and possibly longer if those ambulances are busy, so the Manly Fire Brigade often attend an emergency first.
Whatever the incident, the only vehicle they have is one fire engine. A First Response van would enable a quicker response to non fire emergencies, allow more fire fighters to attend an emergency, and help transport our fire fighters (22 volunteers) as they attend training or carry out community safety education duties.
The cost of a brand new Ford Transit van, equipped with fire fighting and medical equipment will cost $64,000. Manly Fire Brigade have been fundraising for this, but as they are a volunteer force, holding down full time jobs and attending training sessions every week to develop their life-saving skills, this fundraiser will get a First Response van serving our community much sooner.
Here’s the plan. Starting on the Thursday 11th November we will start a 10 day challenge where we will be taking in different challenges for 10 days starting at 5:45 each morning. On Sunday 21st November the Manly Fire Brigade is holding a unique fire themed community event at the Gulf Harbour Recreational Reserve from 2 – 5pm. The entertaining line up includes fire service demonstrations such as a crashed car cut out, monsoon bucket water dump, challenges which will see the Manly fire fighters compete against locals, helicopter flights, live entertainment, spot prizes and an auction.
Skywork Helicopters are offering rides to the public @ $60pp for a scenic flight over Tiri Tiri Matangi. The helicopter can take 6 passengers at a time.
This is an excellent price and a portion is also being donated to the Manly Fire Brigade. To make a booking please contact Cindy info@staffbank.co.nz
