The Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade has a new 4WD vehicle designed to get into places the big red engine cannot easily go.
Chief Fire Officer Willy Dowling said the brigade’s role now was less about fighting fires and more about being an emergency service response crew.
While they still put the wet stuff on the hot stuff, especially during a windy, dry summer, helping other emergency services was a big part of their role.
"We provide backup for St John, police, search and rescue and civil defence."
The ute, which was designed by the Ranfurly crew, cost about $100,000, CFO Dowling said.
At first he was concerned about raising that amount of money but Maniototo stepped up.
"There is a really cool community spirit here," he said.
Fire engines were big, heavy and slow. The 4WD had hefty tyres and high clearance. Floodlights were mounted on the top and there was room between equipment lockers on the tray to carry stretchers, cutting gear or anything else needed. Extra crew could travel in the twin cab," he said.
It was fully equipped with everything except hoses.
"It won’t put out a fire."
If there was a farm accident the 4WD could travel across paddocks and deliver help right to the site. Given the vast area of the Maniototo there were many areas a large fire engine could struggle to reach.
"It’s designed to be versatile."
An open day was held last week to show the community the result of their hard work and generosity.
The names of those who contributed had been written on the locker doors in recognition of their efforts, CFO Dowling said.
