In the December issue there's a strong theme - practice makes perfect.

We look at several challenges and competitions that have recently been held that not only hone firefighters' skills, but also provide valuable lessons and a lot of fun. We also hear just how the Temuka and Timaru crews went about dealing with a head to head truck crash that left one of the trucks dangling over the side of a bridge.

Pongaroa brigade now has a husband and wife Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Fire + Rescue went to Pongaroa to have a chat with them. Meanwhile at Headquarters, there's a changing of the guard, with current Chief Executive/National Commander Mike Hall about to retire, and former Eastern Region Manager Paul Baxter taking over the role.