One of the quietest Guy Fawkes nights on record has the Fire Service praising the responsible fireworks attitude shown by New Zealanders.

Firefighters have contained a chemical spill which forced the evacuation of Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

The Fire Service is encouraging householders to check they have working smoke alarms installed when they put their clocks forward for daylight saving, which starts at 2am this Sunday, 30 September.

The Fire Service has completed a thorough investigation into the April incident in Wellington where a fire appliance lost its left rear wheels when returning to station after a callout.

Tauranga and Hamilton are in line for more career firefighters, Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker announced today.

Karamea volunteer firefighters Ed Tinomana and Jason James will be presented with a Fire Service National Commander's commendation award tonight for rescuing a woman from a burning car last year.

Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark will officially open three new fire stations in the Hutt Valley tomorrow morning.

For those who have always looked on as a fire truck whizzed by and wondered what it's like to be part of the Fire Service, now is your chance to contribute without having to do all the risky work of a full-time firefighter.

Hutt City's three new fire stations are ready to be moved into on January 15.