The Dunedin Fire Brigade will celebrate its 150th jubilee this weekend, so it was an appropriate time "to reflect on how it has changed over the years", Southern Region Fire Safety Officer Barry Gibson said yesterday.
A modern firefighter's role had evolved to include rescue and preventive work, and was a far cry from the firefighting role of the citizens who established the brigade in 1861.
Not only had the equipment changed but fires were different, with multi-storeyed buildings and "higher fire loadings" adding extra challenges to their role.
The arrival of breathing apparatus helped those fighting fires enter buildings rather than remain outside and many modern day fires were caused by electrical items as opposed to the coal ranges and open fires of yesteryear, he said.
The Christchurch earthquake highlighted the rescue capabilities of the New Zealand Fire and Rescue Service, with the Dunedin Fire Brigade active in the rescue and recovery operations.
To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the doors to the Dunedin Central City Fire Station will be open on Saturday afternoon so the general public can watch demonstrations and see how equipment has changed over the years.
In addition, former brigade members will take part in a social gathering tomorrow night and there will be a parade from the Octagon to First Church starting at 9.30am on Sunday.
"The celebrations will be a good chance for younger members to talk with older members and pick their brains," Mr Gibson said.
