Summer and autumn brought an uneventful fire season due to good fire safety practices and favourable conditions. However, the brigade played a crucial role when we responded to Matakana Island from December 24th to 28th for a fire that began on the 23rd night and burned 37ha of vegetation, slash, and pine forest. We sent our fire truck, ute, and two crews of firefighters to assist twenty firefighters, three helicopters, and heavy machinery.
A reminder: if you plan to light an outdoor fire, use www.checkitsalright.nz, submit an online fire notification, get a fire permit if required, and follow council bylaws and rules.
A reminder: if you plan to light an outdoor fire, use www.checkitsalright.nz, submit an online fire notification, get a fire permit if required, and follow council bylaws and rules.
Queensland experienced over 1,000 vegetation fires from September to November, resulting in a burn scar of 753,806 hectares. Phil Muldoon led a crew of five firefighters. The crew was part of a New Zealand contingent that sent four crews and two strike team leaders. Unfortunately, Queensland experienced five fatalities, 70 houses were lost, and more than 600 damage assessments were undertaken during this fire season.
On January 4th, we were called to an injured wakeboarder in the lake. Phil and Jack Eggleston had an eventful jet ski ride; they used our rescue stretcher to extricate the person from the lake onto the back of the boat, where he was transported to an ambulance at the DOC campsite. In February, we attended another medical event. We extend our gratitude to the doctor who responded using the GoodSAM app. If you’re a medical professional in the community, we encourage you to download the app. I can provide training, education, discussion, and support around its use.
On January 4th, we were called to an injured wakeboarder in the lake. Phil and Jack Eggleston had an eventful jet ski ride; they used our rescue stretcher to extricate the person from the lake onto the back of the boat, where he was transported to an ambulance at the DOC campsite. In February, we attended another medical event. We extend our gratitude to the doctor who responded using the GoodSAM app. If you’re a medical professional in the community, we encourage you to download the app. I can provide training, education, discussion, and support around its use.
We celebrated our 40th anniversary on December 2nd and held our first Fire & Emergency (FENZ) Service Awards Ceremony to honour the outstanding contributions of our members. We have never sought recognition, but we felt it was time to acknowledge our team's dedication and hard work. It was a memorable afternoon with family members, representatives from volunteer brigades in Rotorua and dignitaries from the council, government, and FENZ.
Join Our Fire Brigade: Be the Heart of Community Resilience
If you’re passionate about community service, emergency response, and making a real impact, consider joining our brigade. We're seeking dedicated individuals like you to join our ranks. Whether you’re after a new challenge or someone with administrative skills, there’s a place for you in our team. By joining us, you'll be at the heart of community resilience, making a difference when it matters most.
Roles Available
Firefighters: Their work extends beyond extinguishing fires. It is a fulfilling, rewarding, and selfless opportunity that serves the community when it needs it most.
Administrators: Behind the scenes, administrators manage logistics, communications, and paperwork. Your organisational skills will keep our brigade running smoothly.
If you’re passionate about community service, emergency response, and making a real impact, consider joining our brigade. We're seeking dedicated individuals like you to join our ranks. Whether you’re after a new challenge or someone with administrative skills, there’s a place for you in our team. By joining us, you'll be at the heart of community resilience, making a difference when it matters most.
Roles Available
Firefighters: Their work extends beyond extinguishing fires. It is a fulfilling, rewarding, and selfless opportunity that serves the community when it needs it most.
Administrators: Behind the scenes, administrators manage logistics, communications, and paperwork. Your organisational skills will keep our brigade running smoothly.
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Okareka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
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