The Ranfurly urban volunteer fire brigade is amalgamating with the Maniototo component of the Blackstone rural brigade. At the back (from left) are Wildfire Specialist Graeme Still, Rural Firefighter Stu Duncan, Urban And Rural Firefighter Willy Dowling and Urban Firefighter Greg Baddock. A signing at the Ranfurly Fire Station last night sealed the amalgamation of the Ranfurly urban volunteer brigade with the Maniototo component of the Blackstone volunteer rural brigade, which is based at Omakau. Fenz region manager, rural, Mike Grant said the amalgamation brought 52 volunteer firefighters into one team — adding 30 to Ranfurly’s 22 volunteers. The Ranfurly brigade averaged 40 to 70 calls each year and was backed up by the neighbouring Naseby brigade, which averaged 20 to 30 calls a year.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 25, 2021 15:33 UTC