About 140 times each year the wail of the fire siren echoes out around Laingholm in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges. In past years it would have been calling the volunteer brigade to a fire, but today it's just as likely to be a medical emergency, motor vehicle crash or some other incident that needs urgent attention.
The brigade was formed in 1955 and has always maintained close links with its community. It welcomes people who are prepared to serve in its ranks and has no recruitment problems as a result. Like many brigades daytime crewing is a challenge and the brigade is especially keen to recruit people available in the community during business hours Monday to Friday
The brigade runs three response vehicles - a Mitsubishi CAFS pumping appliance, a Dodge rural unit, a Nissan medical response van and a John Deere Gator all terrain vehicle. It is currently restoring its first fire truck, a 1942 Ford V8.