LAKE OKAREKA VOLUNTEER RURAL FIRE FORCE
While the warm sunny days linger and the forest fire danger remains high to extreme, remember to be vigilant in reporting signs of smoke. Also, remember that there is a restricted fire season that operates from 1 October to 30 April in our area. Permits are required for the lighting of all fires in the open air. This includes incinerator fires, barbeques (other than gas), hangi fires and fish smokers. Permits are issued by the Engineering Department, Rotorua District Council with a 24-hour notification period. Given the extreme drought conditions experienced in some parts of the country, a serious stance is taken by the authorities towards people who do not observe these restrictions. The brigade is turned-out via the 111 system in Auckland. Once a call-out is activated, we are obliged to respond to the incident and deal with it accordingly.
On a lighter note, summer saw another local fishing competition on the lake. A good time was had by all. Once again, thank you to Mike Cotter, Dean Foster and Jason Douglas for organising the competition and for the fishing club’s generous donation to the fire brigade.
With daylight savings fast fading and the nights getting cooler, the winter months will soon be upon us. So, once again, remember to get those chimneys cleaned before you get those fires burnings. Also, if you do experience a chimney fire, a jug of water poured on the fire will result in steam going up the flue – this should have an immediate effect. Dial 111 as soon as possible and give clear, precise information to the operator. Please do not hesitate in getting your local brigade turned out – that’s what we’re here for.
The brigade is always looking for new members, especially with the departure of some of the brigade members to university, etc. Full training and uniforms are provided. The best donation you could give to the brigade, and your community, would be some of your time.
For those residents who don’t know where we are or how to contact us, please don’t hesitate to phone me on 362 8874.
Phil Muldoon
Chief Fire Officer
While the warm sunny days linger and the forest fire danger remains high to extreme, remember to be vigilant in reporting signs of smoke. Also, remember that there is a restricted fire season that operates from 1 October to 30 April in our area. Permits are required for the lighting of all fires in the open air. This includes incinerator fires, barbeques (other than gas), hangi fires and fish smokers. Permits are issued by the Engineering Department, Rotorua District Council with a 24-hour notification period. Given the extreme drought conditions experienced in some parts of the country, a serious stance is taken by the authorities towards people who do not observe these restrictions. The brigade is turned-out via the 111 system in Auckland. Once a call-out is activated, we are obliged to respond to the incident and deal with it accordingly.
On a lighter note, summer saw another local fishing competition on the lake. A good time was had by all. Once again, thank you to Mike Cotter, Dean Foster and Jason Douglas for organising the competition and for the fishing club’s generous donation to the fire brigade.
With daylight savings fast fading and the nights getting cooler, the winter months will soon be upon us. So, once again, remember to get those chimneys cleaned before you get those fires burnings. Also, if you do experience a chimney fire, a jug of water poured on the fire will result in steam going up the flue – this should have an immediate effect. Dial 111 as soon as possible and give clear, precise information to the operator. Please do not hesitate in getting your local brigade turned out – that’s what we’re here for.
The brigade is always looking for new members, especially with the departure of some of the brigade members to university, etc. Full training and uniforms are provided. The best donation you could give to the brigade, and your community, would be some of your time.
For those residents who don’t know where we are or how to contact us, please don’t hesitate to phone me on 362 8874.
Phil Muldoon
Chief Fire Officer
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