Story: Fires and fire services

United Fire Brigades crest

United Fire Brigades crest

The United Fire Brigades of New Zealand was formed in 1878 to strengthen links and share information between volunteer fire brigades. Its crest is framed by English oak leaves on the left and the New Zealand southern rātā on the right. To the left of the fire fighter is the British coat of arms, an indication of the origins of most volunteers at the time. The coat of arms on the right incorporates a fireman’s helmet and crossed axes, with the legendary bird, the phoenix, rising out of the ashes of destruction.

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United Fire Brigades’ Association of New Zealand

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Fires and fire services - Early fire services', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/ephemera/21864/united-fire-brigades-crest (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 11 Mar 2010