First of all, I must thank our local community for observing the total fire ban imposed during our long, dry summer. We were fortunate in only having to attend a couple of local vegetation fires, both of which were accidental in nature. The quick notification of these incidents by members of the public and the timely arrival of the fire force crews ensured these incidents were contained, resulting in minimal vegetation damage and, in one case, saved a residential dwelling.
We now are in possession of our new fire appliance. It was nice to see a number of community members, young and old (and those in between), come along to our open night at the fire station to view our appliance despite, the chilly evening.
With the colder winter nights now upon us and the frequent use of fireplaces (which, of course, you’ve all had swept clean!), remember to be careful where you place your hot ashes and don’t hesitate to call 111 if you experience or witness a chimney fire. From past experience, the actual chimney fire may appear out but it is common for timber embers adjacent to the flue to be smouldering away. Detection of this is often only visible with the aid of a thermal imaging camera.
Also, take care when driving on the roads over the coming months and be aware of wet or icy conditions.
Fire force members, with assistance from the Rotorua District Council, are currently participating in a series of courses to further their training and emergency response capabilities. This is a great opportunity for our newer recruits to broaden their skill base, and to hone the leadership skills of our more experienced members.
Finally, thank you to the fire force and community members who volunteered to carry out marshalling and lake safety at the 3D multi-sport event at the beginning of this month.
For anyone wanting to contact the Fire Force, please phone me on 362 8874, visit us on Facebook or go to our website: www.okarekaruralfire.com.
Phil Muldoon
Chief Fire Officer
We now are in possession of our new fire appliance. It was nice to see a number of community members, young and old (and those in between), come along to our open night at the fire station to view our appliance despite, the chilly evening.
With the colder winter nights now upon us and the frequent use of fireplaces (which, of course, you’ve all had swept clean!), remember to be careful where you place your hot ashes and don’t hesitate to call 111 if you experience or witness a chimney fire. From past experience, the actual chimney fire may appear out but it is common for timber embers adjacent to the flue to be smouldering away. Detection of this is often only visible with the aid of a thermal imaging camera.
Also, take care when driving on the roads over the coming months and be aware of wet or icy conditions.
Fire force members, with assistance from the Rotorua District Council, are currently participating in a series of courses to further their training and emergency response capabilities. This is a great opportunity for our newer recruits to broaden their skill base, and to hone the leadership skills of our more experienced members.
Finally, thank you to the fire force and community members who volunteered to carry out marshalling and lake safety at the 3D multi-sport event at the beginning of this month.
For anyone wanting to contact the Fire Force, please phone me on 362 8874, visit us on Facebook or go to our website: www.okarekaruralfire.com.
Phil Muldoon
Chief Fire Officer
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