Hastings Volunteer Fire Fighters

15/08/2026

🔥 Monday Training, Refreshing & Keeping Our Skills Sharp!🚒

The brigade has been busy getting back to basics and refreshing our skills with fire extinguishers. Regular training is an important part of being prepared, helping our members stay confident and competent when faced with different types of fires.

We covered the use of several common extinguishing agents, including:

🧯 **CO₂** – ideal for electrical and flammable liquid fires, where it can smother the fire without leaving a residue.

🧯 **Dry Powder** – a versatile extinguisher suitable for a range of fires, including flammable liquids and gases, with some types also suitable for electrical equipment.

🧯 **Foam** – commonly used on Class A fires involving materials such as wood, paper and textiles, as well as Class B flammable liquid fires.

Most importantly, we refreshed which extinguisher is appropriate for which type of fire — and when NOT to use an extinguisher. Choosing the wrong type can make a situation much worse.

Training like this helps us maintain the knowledge, skills and teamwork needed to respond safely and effectively when our community needs us. 💪🔥

A big thank you to everyone who took part — train hard, stay safe and keep learning! 🚒👩‍🚒👨‍🚒

03/08/2026

Kia ora whānau,

Last night we were joined by our mates from the Matapiro and Maraekakaho Volunteer Fire Brigades for a relay pumping exercise at Roy’s Hill Reserve.

The exercise went extremely well, with everyone working together to establish a reliable water supply quickly and methodically. It was a great opportunity to sharpen our skills, strengthen teamwork, and train alongside our neighbouring brigades.

A big thank you to Kartsport Hawke’s Bay for allowing us access to the reserve. We really appreciate your support!

24/07/2026

20/07/2026

Kia ora whānau,

Last night, the Hastings Volunteer Fire Brigade teamed up with the Haumoana Volunteer Fire Brigade for a great team-building evening.

A huge thank you to Super Strike Hastings for hosting us. It was an awesome opportunity to strengthen the connections between our brigades, share a few laughs, and enjoy some friendly competition.

Thanks to everyone who came along—we’re already looking forward to the next one! 🚒🎳

11/07/2026

Throwback for your long weekend.

Many HB locals would remember the 1979 Fire at the Tomoana Freezing works.
Estimated at $15 million, the fire destroyed the top twofloors of the four story complex and wiped out the 6 chain Mutton, Beef and pig slaughter house block.

The Hastings fire station was alerted by automatic alarm at 12.20pm and immediately responded with a pump and the station’s turntable ladder appliance.

The works’ own fire engine had already begun to fight the blaze when the two central station appliances arrived eight minutes later.

Within a few minutes there were eight engines at the scene. Firemen used breathing gear to combat the thick smoke and pockets of leaking ammonia.

Eleven machines were in action at the height of the blaze.

The Hastings station sent three pumps, its turntable ladder and its emergency tender. The Whakatu works provided its rescue tender and Tomoana already had its fire engine in action.

A machine from Waipawa Volunteer Fire Brigade was brought up to be put on standby at the depleted Hastings station and a Waipukurau Volunteer Fire Brigade engine was on standby for Waipawa.

Havelock North Fire Brigade and Haumoana Volunteer Fire Brigade -based appliances went to the fire and two came from Napier Fire Brigade . One Napier engine was on standby at Hastings during the initial fire-fighting.

Exploding asbestos sheeting and glass windows showered them as they battled their way into the blazing shell of the old building.

At the heart of the fire, firemen worked in cramped corridors filled with smoke. Sheep carcases carpeted the floor and sizzled in the intense heat.

Hastings’ chief fire officer, Mr Lou Jillings, controlled the fire-fighting throughout the blaze, assisted by the Napier-based area commander, Mr Keith Leadbrook.

*Video below and pictures in comments - feel free to add your pictures and memories of the Fire* Credit to the Knowledge Bank Hawke's Bay

Fire at Tomoana Freezing Works

11/07/2026

Just a reminder, If you collect challenge coins then have we got a deal for you

Our limited edition 140 year commemorative coin is still available to but get in quick as we don’t have many left

Only 140 were produced

$25 + postage

DM us for more details or comment on the post and we can get it sorted for you.

16/06/2026

Congratulations to FF Josh Newton and FF Blair Anderson on receiving your yellow helmets!

Both Josh and Blair have recently returned from the National Training Centre after successfully completing their Recruit Firefighter Course. This is a significant milestone in your firefighting journey and a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment you've both shown.

We're proud to have you as part of the team and look forward to seeing your skills and experience continue to grow as members of the brigade. Your achievement is well deserved, and we're excited to have you serving alongside us.

Now that you've earned your yellow helmets, there's only one important recruit tradition left to complete... shouting the brigade a beer! 🍻 We hear successful graduates are especially generous, so we'll be patiently waiting!

Well done, Josh and Blair. Congratulations on this achievement, and welcome to the next chapter of your firefighting journey. 🚒👏

19/05/2026

Training last night saw the crews sharpening up our skills, by drafting water from a creek using one of our fire appliances. 💧🚒

Being able to establish a reliable water supply from natural sources is a vital skill when hydrants aren’t available, especially during rural and vegetation fires. Great hands-on training for the team and another chance to build confidence operating in challenging conditions.

Also a huge thank you to the Napier Operational Support Unit for joining us. They took the time to show our members through their truck, explain it's capabilities, and provided lighting support that helped illuminate our training drill perfectly.

Their knowledge, professionalism, and support are a massive asset to the Hawke’s Bay region, and we really appreciate them coming over and working alongside us. Cant wait for next time 👏 🔥 🚒

16/05/2026

If you are looking for something to do in Napier today head to Farmers and support the guys and gals from Napier, Taradale, Hastings and Silverfern Farms brigades.

They are slogging it out on a stair machine raising funds for Leukemia and Blood Cancer NZ.

13/05/2026

If you collect challenge coins then have we got a deal for you

Our limited edition 140 year commemorative coin is now available to everyone, but get in quick as we don’t have many left

Only 140 were produced

$25 + postage

DM us for more details