Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade

04/08/2026

Its not just about fires and all the other stuff we see and do. Sometimes we get to go out in the community and make some new little friends. Thanks to The Oaks Early Learning Centre for having us

29/07/2026

Last night the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade officially commissioned our new Operational Support vehicle.
The project was an Ashburton Brigade initiative design and build looking to future proof the support offered to firefighters and other emergency services within the district at incidents.
We would like to formally thank Wyvern Jones and family for their generosity in purchasing and building this vehicle for us and to the Loins Club of Ashburton and the Trevor Wilson Charitable Trust for providing some funds to allow us to complete the fit out of the vehicle. Also, Lysaght Specialist Vehicles and Newlands Auto Electrical for their assistance with this project.
The number plate “BETHIA” is in loving memory of Beth Jones who sadly passed away before the project was finished.

24/06/2026

Are you a Year 9–13 student looking for something truly different this year? The Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade is launching an exciting new 10-week Cadet Course starting Monday 17th August, and we want you to be part of it!

This is a hands-on programme where you'll develop real life skills, teamwork and leadership, and learn firefighting skills alongside experienced local firefighters — plus much more that you simply won't find in a classroom. 🔥

Spaces are limited, so don't miss out. Email your expression of interest today to:
[email protected]

18/06/2026

We're joining the Big Shout Out this June to recognise and celebrate the volunteers who power our community.

Today we celebrate and give thanks to the many volunteer firefighters from every corner of our District who are on call 24/7 to protect people and property.

We are proud to hold the Ashburton District Volunteer Firefighters Welfare Fund, established in 2013 to support our firefighters and their immediate families through times of illness, injury or hardship.

Show your support for the volunteer firefighters in the Ashburton District by donating to the Ashburton District Volunteer Firefighters Welfare Fund. Message us to find out more or call 307 5902.

15/06/2026

👏

It is National Volunteer Week, and we want to celebrate migrants, former refugees, and newcomers who have found a great sense of belonging through getting involved and giving back to their communities!

Today, we are showcasing Isireli Masiwini!

Isireli is originally from Fiji! He arrived in NZ a few years ago and his visa made it a bit complex to volunteer for FENZ.

But he is now volunteering, and this is what he has to say:

"It's been two years now for me in the Ashburton Fire Brigade, and I love every bit of it".

"I love doing it because there is nothing more special than helping people around me."

Thank you for your hard work and your willingness to volunteer your time and skills for such vital service! We are very lucky to have you in Ashburton 🙏🤩

23/05/2026

The 2026 Sky Tower Stair Climb is done and dusted for another year. Raising money for Blood Cancer NZ, 1200 fire fighters from all over NZ pour out blood, sweat, tears and sometimes even a little bit more, climbing the 1103 steps, 51 flights to the top of the sky tower.

Now in the 22nd year, over $18.2 million has been raised for the cause. This year, another crew from the Ashbuton Volunteer Fire Brigade gave it another crack.
Amy Brown, Nick Rattray, Scott Marshall, Braden Wells, Kendal Chapman, Geoff Barr and Sama Sooialo raised $10903 for such a special cause.

Some set new fastest personal times, and some set their first time and look to better it next year. Congratulations team. Again you make Ashburton proud for the work you do in the community, and after the pain has gone, you say “Well that was a bit of fun”
Proud to be here to watch you all! 👏

CFO Jeff Marshall.
DCFO Andy Rattray

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

After a little bit of negotiation, we were very fortunate to get the use of a crash damaged van for some extra practice. With already having a severe impact on the left front, this was a fantastic opportunity to let some of our newer members have some training with the extrication gear, and try some new ideas that you don’t normally get the opportunity to try.

This type of training is extremely valuable for all involved, and we were certainly grateful for the opportunity.

Just one of the skills you train for being a volunteer fire fighter. Could you volunteer your time to be a fire fighter and be one of the super humans in your community? 👨‍🚒🧑‍🚒

26/04/2026

Ashburton’s annual wheels week has kicked off, and it was great to go along and support the Jo’s Garage Carbs and Coffee classic car display on Sunday morning to fly the flag along with St John ambulance. ☕️ 🚑

Over 100 beautiful cars of all descriptions were on display. Their owners all with a coffee in hand. 🚗

But for us, it was about all about smoke detectors, home fire safety and escape plans. Are you ready for an emergency? 🚨

11/04/2026

Go Ellen go!

We wish you all the best and can’t wait to hear about this! Have a read on what Ellen is getting up to!
🏅 🔥 👏

Ellen Westwood is a professional interior consultant at Redmonds by day and an Ashburton volunteer firefighter 24/7. Next month, she will head to Wellington to compete in the national firefighting championships. The 23-year-old has been with the Ashburton brigade for nearly two years. She joined bec...