Volunteer firefighters are asking for community support to help equip a new on-site gym at the Whakatāne Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The brigade has already built the gym through its own fundraising, donations and volunteer labour. It is now seeking sponsorship and financial contributions to purchase equipment to complete the facility.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Hands said the gym had been planned for some time and was designed to keep volunteers fit, ready to respond, and close to the station.

“The goal is to keep our people fit and on site, increasing the likelihood they can respond when calls come in,” Hands said.

The gym will be available 24/7 and fitted with equipment tailored to the physical demands of firefighting.

Qualified firefighter Dan Wallwork said fitness was a core expectation of the role.

“We’re expected to be fit, strong and ready to respond when the calls come. Until now, maintaining that fitness has been a personal cost,” he said.

Training at the station will also allow firefighters to practice in full protective gear.

Planned equipment includes a functional trainer, lifting cage, rowing machine, treadmill, assault bike, kettlebells, free weights and specialised gear that mimics firefighting tasks, such as a 25-kilogram rope used to replicate hose handling.

Hands said local businesses had already contributed materials and labour, including donated building supplies, electrical work and fittings.

The brigade responds to between 350 and 370 incidents each year, making it one of the busiest volunteer stations in the country. Hands said volunteers had limited time to run fundraising campaigns themselves.

“We’re using money that’s normally allocated for other needs, and with a 24/7 roster, we simply don’t have the time to fundraise,” he said.

Sponsors will be acknowledged on the brigade’s social media, and all contributors will be listed on a recognition wall inside the gym.

Businesses and community members can sponsor individual pieces of equipment or make financial donations.

To donate or sponsor equipment, email [email protected] or message the brigade’s Facebook page: Whakatāne Volunteer Fire Brigade.