19 March 2012

On April 1st there will be a kitchen fire in central Auckland and whilst it is taking place on April Fools’ Day it is certainly no joke. The fire will be deliberately lit in a demonstration trailer at Auckland’s MOTAT by NZ Fire Service Education Officers as part of MOTAT’s Fire and Rescue event.

The inaugural event is a MOTAT initiative that has them teaming up with the NZ Fire Service and Civil Defence. Donations will be collected for the Burns Support Group Charitable Trust at the event.

The aim of the event is to provide a fun and memorable day that will educate young people on what to do in the event of a fire or rescue emergency and for them to pass the message on to their families.

George Stephens, Senior Fire Risk Management Officer, New Zealand Fire Service says the event is important to ensure both the young and old are educated on fire safety.

“Partnering with MOTAT to educate young people and their families about fire safety is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue reducing preventable house fires and fire fatalities,” says Mr Stephens.

Jack Maddox and Tom Cotter, retired fire-fighters and current MOTAT volunteers, know firsthand how important it is for children to be educated on fire safety.

“We know that children learn by doing and that’s why this display will be ‘hands on’ allowing young people and their families to experience a simulated fire experience amongst other fun, interactive activities. If we can save just one of the 14 preventable deaths expected this year then our event has been worthwhile,” says Mr Maddox.

The event includes two simulated home environments where visitors can feel the heat, smell the fumes and experience a real fire from a safe distance.

As well as displays from the Burns Support Group Charitable Trust, NZ Fire Service and NZ Civil Defence, MOTAT has themed the popular Tactile Dome to simulate a fire experience.
The interactive games and displays are designed to teach youngsters some very serious lessons within a fun, playful environment.

MOTAT’s collection of vintage fire engines will be parked up alongside current working fire appliances for all to see.

Furthermore, on hand to talk to visitors will be active firemen as well as the retired fire-fighters turned MOTAT volunteers, plus Flint and Amber the lovable mascots from NZ Fire Service.

There will be plenty to entertain the whole family including competitions for the quickest uniform change, historical demonstrations and for littlies the chance to take a ride on MOTAT’s own Little Flick.

Dates:
Sunday 1 April

Location
MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs.

Costs

You can enjoy MOTAT’s ‘Fire and Rescue’ event as part of your normal entry fee to MOTAT. You can also enjoy the rest of the museum, including entry to the Tactile Dome and Voyager1 for one great price.

Entry Fee:

Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $35
Adults $14
Children (5-16) $8
Students $8
Senior Citizens $7
Children under 5 years are free
MOTAT Mates (annual pass) - $65 for a family (entitles you to unlimited visits to MOTAT)

ENDS

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