From front line to family fun

The Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade is warming up the trucks and rolling out the welcome mat this weekend.

The brigade, along with the Marlborough Kaikoura Rural Fire Authority and Civil Defence, will showcase a fleet of appliances, tankers and command units this Sunday.

The open day will allow people to get up close and personal with the equipment firefighters use in the line of duty.

Station public relations officer Jennifer Ruffell says it is a fun day where people can get to know their local service a little bit better.

‘‘We are all volunteers and normal people from the community. We are you guys, so it’s nice for people to come down, have a yarn and a look around,’’ she says.

A car-cutting demonstration, earthquake simulator, evacuation maze and fire truck bouncy castle are some of the highlights to look forward to, Jennifer says.

Station chief Nigel Botham says the amalgamation of the New Zealand Fire Service and the National Rural Fire Authority in July made it a perfect opportunity to showcase what the services do.

‘‘It made sense to have a joint open day to remind the community that we have always presented a united front when dealing with emergencies,’’ he says.

The open day will run from 10am to 2pm on Sunday at the Blenheim Fire Station on Symons St, and will include a free sausage sizzle and fun activities for the kids.

‘‘ ... it’s nice for people to come down, have a yarn and a look around.’’

PHOTO: SCOTT HAMMOND/FAIRFAX NZ Deputy fire chief Tony Nolan with three of the Blenheim station’s new trucks, which will be on show on Sunday.