Volunteer firefighters’ skills on display

There will be burly men and women running around at Tulloch Park in Mataura over the next few days but not a ball in sight.

The park will play host to the United Fire Brigades’ Association Waterway Challenge.

The challenge will test hose-running and pump-operating skills of volunteer firefighters.

More than 130 firefighters from around the country will participate, including 104 competitors demonstrating their teamwork and firefighting skills.

The teams come from Wellsford, Ahuroa, Silverdale, West Harbour, Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Thames, Mayor View, Havelock North, Carterton, Wainuiomata, Westport, Brunner, Greymouth, Rangiora, Rolleston, Balclutha, Lincoln, Cromwell, Kaitangata, Mossburn, Mataura, and Wyndham.

The competition starts at 9am today and continues tomorrow.

It is apt the challenge is taking place in Mataura as the town’s fire brigade is marking its centenary this year.

The brigade’s big celebration will be in November, and the association said it was proud to be able to bring the national event to the Mataura community, which has supported its volunteer fire brigade for 100 years.

The event is open to the public. — APL