New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union

Big Boys & their Hours of Work

Firefighters whilst off-duty will have to spend the $16 adult charge themselves this weekend if they want to spread the Fire Safety message at Big Boys Toys.

Because of the extreme risk and danger of a Firefighter falling asleep or falling over whilst on duty, the Fire Service has cancelled the chance to promote Fire Safety at the Greenlane Show Grounds this weekend.

CFO's will remain on call 24/7, but Firefighters have been banned from "building safe communities" alongside the Arena.

Read the Full 2-Page Special eNEWS Hours of Work Bulletin Online

For Fire Crews who were to attend, you'll just have to imagine the possie for the Kitchen Unit. Picture yourself sitting in the shade at Site 26 (you would have found this to the left of the grandstand). Toilets would have been a mere stroll away and for those of you who don't make your lunch, the cafe would have been between Halls 3 & 4.

So what would you have preached this weekend? We asked some Firefighters for some home kitchen safety messages because visitors to the expo aren't gonna get any this year... If you want to know why - click here.

Never leave cooking unattended
Always watch the pan or pot when cooking with oil or fat
Snuff out a fat fire with a pot lid or oven tray. Never carry it outside
Don't cook when you've been drinking - Alcohol and cooking don't mix

An off duty Firefighter (ie. one that does not risk falling asleep or risk falling over), who spent $16 to get in to the venue, sent in a photo of the Fire Service Display at Big Boys Toys. Any more photo's of the stand or of staff promoting fire safety or even of the kitchen unit in action at BBT can be sent in - Here is what Site 26 looks like at the moment:

The photo above was taken by our hanging web-cam, high above the showground's at Greenlane.
The Fire Service Big Boys Toys display could be said to be as boring as watching grass grow.
Incidentally, the web-cam was erected by Volunteers (as they are allowed to work 144 hours in six days).

Did you visit us at Stand 26 this year?

What did you think? - we appreciate your feedback...

:: Fire Service Big Boys Toys Display Survey (Stand 26)

This survey is totally anonymous - we don't ask for your name.
All we do is thank you in advance for completing this survey and for visiting Stand 26 at this years Big Boys Toys event.

So that we can identify the crews that were on duty during your visit, please select the day that you visited the Fire Service Kitchen Display at Big Boys Toys (Stand 26):

What did you like best about this years Fire Service Big Boys Toys stand?

What did you think of the Fire Safety component of the Fire Service Big Boys Toys stand this year?

How could the stand be improved for next year?

Did any of the crews that welcomed you to the Fire Service Big Boys Toys display look fatigued?

Yes No

Please tick the following box if you saw any Firefighters asleep at the Fire Service Big Boys Toys stand:

If so, how many Firefighters (approximately) did you see sleeping?

In your opinion, what was the most helpful Fire Safety tip given at the display?

Remembering what you saw at this years Fire Service Big Boys Toys Display (Stand 26), would you come along next year and visit us?

Yes No

Do you think the Fire Service Big Boys Toys Stand fulfilled your expectations considering the NZFS Commission Statement and Strategic Direction (as quoted from their website):

"The Fire Service Commission contributes to building safe communities by reducing the incidence and consequence of fires and responding to other emergencies. It works in partnership with communities to deliver effective fire safety education so people understand fire risks and ways to prevent fires and take action in the event of a fire."

Yes No

Survey has closed!

Results from Big Boys Toys survey start flooding in...

What did you think of the Fire Safety component of the Fire Service Big Boys Toys stand this year?

Well the message got through. The grass didn't burn all day we were there. Clearly there was a great emphasis on fire service staff lessening environmental impact by not using areas they had been assigned to.

Very graphic. I didn't realise houses could burn down in areas where volunteers were falling asleep from working two jobs.

How could the stand be improved for next year?

Perhaps if the edges were trimmed a little tidier. Some minor areas of grass were showing signs of stress.

I would like to see people at the stand to help me with my many questions

What did you like best about this years Fire Service Big Boys Toys stand?

The un-crowded conditions were fantastic. Not bumping into others constantly was refreshing from all the crowds around all the other stands. In fact the peace and quiet was deafening.

The Vacant lot demonstrator unit showing what your section would look like once you had lost your house from fire after a cook up after getting home from pub.

Did any of the crews that welcomed you to the Fire Service Big Boys Toys display look fatigued?
No (Overwhelming - 100% of responses)

In your opinion, what was the most helpful Fire Safety tip given at the display?

In all honesty I don't recall one which is a pity because as it turned out I left my stove on while I was at the display and burned my house down. Otherwise the day was great. Thanks to the Fire Service for ensuring community safety through preparedness.

Don't work for more than 72 hours protecting peoples lives as you may fall asleep.

Do you think the Fire Service Big Boys Toys Stand fulfilled your expectations considering the NZFS Commission Statement and Strategic Direction (as quoted from their website)
No (Overwhelming - 100% of responses)

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