Firefighters heading to Fire Camp in April

Fire sirens will fill the ears of Putaruru residents come April when the town hosts the Region 2 Fire Camp for 2015.

Every two years the Bay of Plenty/Waikato region hosts a three-day training camp for administrators, trainers and firefighters.

Almost 50 volunteer firefighters and 20 support staff will complete this year’s course.

‘‘In 48 hours it’s what some guys would take 5 years to learn,’’ Tauranga Volunteer support officer Kerry Gordon said.

The participants are put through different scenarios including motor vehicle accidents, car fires, private fire alarms and larger incidents, Gordon said.

‘‘We’re warning the town to be prepared for a lot of fire trucks and to stand and watch and observe but don’t get involved.’’

Putaruru fire chief Nathan Bennetto said the participants will also learn about aeroplane safety and P-lab drug scenarios.

He said police and St John will be a part of the weekend and there is the potential for other groups to jump on board.

A school in Te Puke took part in the 2007 camp by filming the scenarios which earned them NCEA credits, he said.

At this stage the participants are all from out of town, Bennetto said.

‘‘We [Putaruru Volunteer Fire Brigade] still have to respond to emergencies that weekend.’’

The weekend will cost around $26,000 and the station is still in the process of gaining sponsorship, he said.

‘‘We’ve raised $8900 but we would like to get another $5000-$6000.

It takes about two years of preparation from when a camp puts their hands up to run it.

‘‘And we were crazy enough to put our hands up,’’ Bennetto said.