Celebrating 150 years of the Christchurch Fire Brigade

Imagine our fire fighters battling fires with buckets and hand pumps. That was the reality in 1860 when the Christchurch Fire Brigade was formed.

Over the last 150 years, the Christchurch Fire Brigade has been the driving force behind many of the changes within the NZ Fire Service. To commemorate the significance of their 150-year anniversary, the public are invited to watch a street parade highlighting the history of Fire Service appliances over the last 150 years. The parade will start at the Central Fire Station on Kilmore Street and will continue down Colombo Street, where the vehicles will become part of a large showcase in Cathedral Square.

There will be fire fighting equipment and uniforms on display plus demonstrations, activities and exhibitions dedicated to profiling the changes that have occurred.

Beca Heritage Week is supporting the Christchurch Fire Brigade by producing a documentary entitled Always Ready: Semper Paratus, based on the book written by local fire fighter Tony Phillips. The documentary will be shown in the ChristChurch Cathedral throughout the celebrations. The documentary is a creative mix of interviews, archival photos and footage of the Christchurch Fire Brigade on the streets engaging in their daily duties. It is intended to give audiences a glimpse into the life of a fire fighter, while highlighting the significant changes that have taken place over the last 150 years.

Saturday 30 October, 10am–2pm

Christchurch Central City
Cathedral Square and Christchurch Cathedral

Free Event

Disability access

A Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me the strength to save a life
Whatever be its age
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and
Hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor
And protect their property
And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
Please bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife.
~author unknown~

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