FIRE FIGHTING PLANT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 November 1939, Page 6

FIRE FIGHTING PLANT

NEW MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT AT MASTERTON. MODERN UTILITY HOSE TENDER COMMISSIONED. Another modern fire-fighting machine has just been added to the Masterton Fire Brigade's units, a 30 horse-power utility hose tender, which was placed in commission today. The body was built to the board’s own design in Wellington. The new vehicle carries 2000 feet of hose and all equipment for fire work, besides a 25ft ladder, set on rollers so that it is easily removed for use. Besides. the driver, the vehicle can carry a full squad of firemen, consisting of an officer and four men. A feature of the new machine is that all the equipment is carried under cover, ensuring protection in all weather. The tender will prove a very valuable addition to the brigade's facilities and will replace the old hose tender which has seen' service for the past 21 years and has long outlived its usefulness.

Another piece of equipment that has been added to the plant at the station is a half-hour self-contained breathing apparatus, which will be brought into use as a service mask to overcome the effects of all kinds of gases. The equipment now available at the station or being placed in commission in the immediate future will place the Masterton Fire Brigade among the best-equipped brigades in New Zealand.

Alterations are at present being made to the rear of the station building to provide accommodation for another four auxiliary firemen. When this work is completed and the firemen are engaged it will give the brigade further effective means of meeting any calls made on its services.