Manawatu Volunteer Fire Brigade

🔥 DISTRICT FIREFIGHTERS DEPLOYED TO THE USA 🔥

We’re incredibly proud of our four District firefighters who have deployed to the USA as part of the latest major international wildfire deployment:

👨‍🚒 Elliot Cowley – Crew Leader, Manawatu VFB
👨‍🚒 Aaron Hartley – Deputy Controller, Whanganui VFB
👨‍🚒 Stu Bunn – Crew Leader, Ruapehu VFB
👨‍🚒 Piet Strulik – Senior Firefighter, Palmerston North FB

A huge thank you to Elliot, Aaron, Stu and Piet, as well as all the other members of the contingent who have left New Zealand to support firefighting efforts and communities affected by the wildfires. 🔥

Your commitment and willingness to help on the international stage is something to be proud of.

Stay safe and all the very best to the entire team! 🇳🇿❤️‍🔥🇺🇸

🚒 Manawatū, get ready! 🚒

The 2026 UFBA National Drivers Challenge is rolling into Manfeild, Feilding this weekend! Come and watch firefighters from across the country put their driving skills to the ultimate test; tackling precision, speed and control in a thrilling display of concentration and skill 🚨💨

Bring your whānau, cheer on the competitors, and experience the action up close!

📅 Friday 7 August: 11:00am – 3:00pm
📅 Saturday 8 August: 9:00am – 4:00pm

📍 Manfeild Track, Feilding

🔥 Entry is free – we can't wait to see you there! 🔥

🚒🌳 Can We Get to You in an Emergency? 🌳🚒

When an emergency happens, every second counts. If your property has a long driveway or private accessway, it's important to make sure our fire appliances can get to you quickly and safely.

Take a look at your driveway and check that it has:

✔️ At least 4 metres of width for emergency vehicles to pass through.
✔️ At least 4 metres of overhead clearance by trimming back overhanging trees and branches.
✔️ A clear path, free from parked vehicles, trailers, bins, or other obstacles.
✔️ Gates that can be opened easily and provide enough space for a fire appliance to enter.

🌿 Overgrown trees and narrow driveways can delay emergency crews when every minute matters.

A little maintenance today could make a big difference in an emergency.

🚒 Help us help you by keeping your driveway clear and accessible.

🔥🏡 Is Your Chimney Ready for Winter? 🏡🔥

Before lighting your fireplace for the first time this season, make sure your chimney has been cleaned and checked. A build-up of soot and creosote can increase the risk of a dangerous chimney fire.

🚒 Remember:
✔️ Have your chimney cleaned before the first fire of the season
✔️ Use only dry, seasoned firewood
✔️ Keep the area around your fireplace clear of anything that can burn

⚠️ If you notice smoke coming back into your home instead of going up the chimney, or your fire isn't drawing properly, stop using the fireplace until the chimney has been inspected. These could be signs of a blockage or other issue that needs attention.

A clean chimney means a safer, warmer winter for you and your whānau. ❄️💙

Wow what an incredible result!

A huge thank you to Kate from Turnaround for organising such an amazing event and for the incredible effort that went into making the Fashion Extravaganza Fundraiser such a success.

We’d also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank all of the local businesses who supported the event through sponsorship, covering event costs, and donating raffle prizes. Your generosity and backing makes a massive difference.

And finally, thank you to our amazing community for continuing to show up, support local causes, and get behind events like this. It’s support like this that truly strengthens our community.

🌺 Lest We Forget 🌺

This ANZAC Day, we honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all those who have served and continue to serve. 🕊️🎖️

Heavy Rain Watch – 2pm today to midnight Tuesday

Manawatū District is under a Heavy Rain Watch, with thunderstorms and periods of heavy downpours expected.

With neighbouring districts forecast to receive higher rainfall, our upper catchments are likely to see rising river levels. As a precaution,
❗the Makino Floodgates will close this evening and
❗Pharazyn Road is scheduled to close at 7:00pm tonight.

Please take care and be prepared:
👉Drive to the conditions and allow extra travel time
👉Clear drains and gutters around your property
👉Check in on neighbours, especially those who may need support
👉Watch for slips, surface flooding, and fallen trees

We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

In case of an emergency please call 111.
If you need urgent assistance, please call Council on 06 323 000. For non-urgent issues, you can report these through Antenno.