Carterton Volunteer Fire Brigade

02/06/2026

🚒 May Call Summary 🚒

May was another busy month for the Carterton with our crew responding to a total of 27 callouts across the district.

These incidents ranged from medical assistance, vegetation fires through to alarms and other emergencies, keeping our volunteers on their toes and ready to turn out at any time of the day or night. Every call is a reminder of the important role our brigade plays in keeping our community safe.

We would also like to acknowledge the support of our families, employers, and the community. Without you, what we do wouldn’t be possible.

25/05/2026

We couldn’t be prouder of our own Carterton Brigade Members Tamara, Justin, and Jane for taking on the incredible challenge of climbing the Sky Tower in support of Blood Cancer NZ. This iconic vertical climb is no easy feat, pushing both physical and mental limits — but their determination, teamwork, and dedication shone through every step of the way.

Not only did they conquer the sky tower, but they also played a part in something truly remarkable, helping contribute to a fundraising effort that has now surpassed an incredible $2.5 million. That’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a cause that matters.

Their effort reflects the very spirit of our brigade — resilience, commitment, and looking out for our community both on and off the job. Challenges like this go far beyond the climb itself; they inspire othersand show what it means to give back.

Also a shout out to our friends over at Strength Nation Carterton | Gym for their use of equipment to support our members with their training programe.

Well done, Tamara, Justin, and Jane. We are immensely proud of you! 💪🔥

21/05/2026

🚒 Brigade Training Night 🚒

Last night the crew put their skills to the test with a solid training session

✅ Completed a snap rescue scenario — teamwork, quick thinking, and sharp skills on display.

☣️ Took on hazardous material identification — because knowing what you’re dealing with can make all the difference. Of course this included a walk though the decom shower.. in the midst of winter ❄️❄️❄️

A great night of learning, problem-solving, and keeping our skills up (with a few laughs thrown in too 😄).

15/05/2026

🚨 SOLE SEARCH SUCCESS! 🚨

Mystery solved, Carterton! 🕵️‍♂️👟

After an intense investigation (and possibly sniff test… we won’t confirm nor deny), the lone ranger shoe left behind at Carterton Fire Station has officially been reunited with its rightful owner — Jacob! 🎉

Turns out it wasn’t a dramatic Cinderella situation… just a classic case of “how did I only lose ONE shoe?” 🤔

As a reward for this heroic reunion, Jacob — along with his brother Lincoln — got the VIP experience: 🔥 Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour
🚒 Up-close look at the fire trucks
👨‍🚒 A chance to hang out with some real-life legends

We’re pleased to report no more footwear has been abandoned (for now).

Moral of the story:
👉 Always keep track of your shoes
👉 And if you don’t… we might just turn it into an adventure

15/05/2026

🚒 BA Training Night – Search & Rescue Focus 🚒

Great training session the other night focusing on breathing apparatus (BA) and search & rescue operations.

Drills like these are vital — practicing under pressure, refining our techniques, and working together as a team ensures we’re ready when it really counts. From navigating zero‑visibility environments to locating and safely rescuing casualties, every scenario reinforces the skills we may one day rely on to save lives.

14/05/2026

🚨 MYSTERY AT THE FIRE STATION 🚨

We responded to many calls this week… but this one has us stumped. 👀

At some point overnight, a single shoe appeared outside the station.
Just one.
No note.
No explanation.
No matching partner in sight.

👟 Was it dropped mid-dash?
👟 Did Cinderella take a wrong turn?
👟 Is someone hopping around Carterton right now wondering where their shoe went?

We’ve checked our trucks (no, it’s not part of the standard equipment 😉), asked around, and even considered if it belongs to a very fashionable dog… but the mystery remains unsolved.

If you—or someone you know—is missing one lonely shoe, please come forward to reunite this brave sole (yes, we said it) with its owner ❤️

In the meantime, it’s currently on light duty at the station, keeping watch and awaiting pickup.

📢 Tag the owner if you know them… let’s solve this footloose mystery together!

10/05/2026

09/05/2026

Our friends over at Laingholm Volunteer Fire Brigade have absolutely nailed this post.

From Carterton Volunteer Fire Brigade we would like to wish all of the mums in the brigade and and the mum that support our firefighters in the background a very special mothers day. We appreciate you 🥰🥰🥰

Mother’s Day doesn’t stop the pager going off.

Which means across the country today, there’ll be mums leaving half-finished coffees, cold toast, family lunches and kids’ cuddles to answer a call for help from someone else.

Volunteer firefighting asks a lot from families. Especially the ones at home holding everything together while we head out the door.

So today’s not just about the mums on the truck.
It’s also about the mums, wives, partners and grandmothers behind the scenes who quietly make this job possible in the first place.

Thanks for the support, the patience, and the understanding when the siren interrupts another family moment.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Laingholm Volunteer Fire Brigade.

06/05/2026

Tonight we had a couple of visitors, all the way from the Kingdom of The Netherlands!

Steffen and Jeanette are former members of our team and are now part of the Brandweer Ridderkerk

Steffen and Jeanette shared with us about how things are different (and much the same) within their new team.

DCFO Keys then accepted a gift on behalf of the brigade that will be treasured by us and shows that while we're a world apart in distance, all firefighters are linked and part of a worldwide family.

04/05/2026

Today is International Firefighters day.

We remember those who have gone before us, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who come with us on our journey every day!

Fellow firefighters and supporters, come on a pictorial journey with us!

May the 4th be with you! (watch out for stormtroopers)