TFES HISTORY

1970 ‘Akau’ola’s Report

• Submitted a report to the government on the kingdom’s firefighting capabilities, or rather the lack of them. Consequently, in 1972, the Australian Government provided the services with a Fire Officer, Mr. J.K. Mundy, to survey and evaluate existing legislation, water supply, fire equipment, and expertise—hence the Mundy Report.

1978 Fire Service Act

• The Tonga Fire Service was established on 19 September, 1978, by the enactment of the Fire Service Act [No. 18 of 1978] and received the Royal Assent on 29 June, 1979.

Late 1978 Transfer of Fire Service from Ministry of Works to the Police

• Late in 1978, the government decided to transfer responsibility for the fire service from the Ministry of Works to the Police Department

1982 Opening Of Fire Service Headquarters, Nuku’alofa

• Their Majesties King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV and Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho formally opened and inspected the new Fire Service Headquarters building. During the afternoon tea, members of the service put on a one-hour demonstration covering many aspects of firefighting, including the rescue of persons from a six-story building.