Being part of the team
The Canterbury High Country Fire Team (HCFT) is based in Christchurch and is made up of both men and women of many different ages, backgrounds, job types and leisure interests. Team members live throughout the Christchurch area. The HCFT is managed by a committee who meet once a month. After each meeting, members receive copies of minutes and are kept up to date with what's happening and upcoming training or events. |
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The committee organises a range of different events for the wider team - ranging from training sessions (both theoretical and practical) to social events that include members and their families and friends.
The HCFT works with the Department of Conservation (DOC) with a range of local conservation projects such as tree planting, track maintenance and the management of wilding pines. Strong links with Scion Rural Fire Research allow the team to assist with research burns and the team also regularly participates in regional exercises and competitions.
The HCFT works with the Department of Conservation (DOC) with a range of local conservation projects such as tree planting, track maintenance and the management of wilding pines. Strong links with Scion Rural Fire Research allow the team to assist with research burns and the team also regularly participates in regional exercises and competitions.
TRAINING
The team runs about 20 training sessions per year, with two trainings per month (2nd Tue night and last Sun morning in the month), plus additional events. Attendance to at least eight practical and three theory sessions per year, with attendance at least within a 2 month period, is required for members to remain current for active fire fighting.
Trainings include a mix of both refresher/currency training and formal unit standard assessments. Typical trainings include hand tools, mobile pumps, vehicles and appliance use, navigation, radios and helicopters. In addition to team training, we compete in regional exercises including the previous Canterbury Regional Rural Fire Challenge and Canterbury Wajax Competitions.
With FENZ, opportunities for formal unit standard trainings are available to advance knowledge and abilities within the team.
MEDICAL & PACK TEST
As most of the fire grounds we attend are in the Canterbury High Country, members need to be physically fit.
To remain an active fire fighter in the HCFT, members need to complete our annual pack test - walking 4.8 km within 45 minutes whilst wearing a 20.5 kg vest. A medical check may also be required prior to completing the pack test.
COMPETITIONS
All members are encouraged to compete in the regional competitions as a great form of learning to use equipment and practices.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Each year a variety of social events are organised for the wider team. These include the tree planting, team barbecues, Christmas tree harvesting, and an awards night.
CALLOUTS
When the team is required, members will be contacted by phone. Attendance to a fire is asked, not demanded. Most members have negotiated a policy with their employers for when they are called out to a fire during work hours.
RELATED INFORMATION
Find out how to join the team
The team runs about 20 training sessions per year, with two trainings per month (2nd Tue night and last Sun morning in the month), plus additional events. Attendance to at least eight practical and three theory sessions per year, with attendance at least within a 2 month period, is required for members to remain current for active fire fighting.
Trainings include a mix of both refresher/currency training and formal unit standard assessments. Typical trainings include hand tools, mobile pumps, vehicles and appliance use, navigation, radios and helicopters. In addition to team training, we compete in regional exercises including the previous Canterbury Regional Rural Fire Challenge and Canterbury Wajax Competitions.
With FENZ, opportunities for formal unit standard trainings are available to advance knowledge and abilities within the team.
MEDICAL & PACK TEST
As most of the fire grounds we attend are in the Canterbury High Country, members need to be physically fit.
To remain an active fire fighter in the HCFT, members need to complete our annual pack test - walking 4.8 km within 45 minutes whilst wearing a 20.5 kg vest. A medical check may also be required prior to completing the pack test.
COMPETITIONS
All members are encouraged to compete in the regional competitions as a great form of learning to use equipment and practices.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Each year a variety of social events are organised for the wider team. These include the tree planting, team barbecues, Christmas tree harvesting, and an awards night.
CALLOUTS
When the team is required, members will be contacted by phone. Attendance to a fire is asked, not demanded. Most members have negotiated a policy with their employers for when they are called out to a fire during work hours.
RELATED INFORMATION
Find out how to join the team