Welcome to our latest community newsletter, where we bring you the latest news, stories, and updates from your local Volunteer Fire Brigade. We're here to keep you safe and informed and are excited to share what we've been up to!
In a massive effort in Waikato from the 23rd to the 25th of October, our team was crucial in combating a 1000-ha wetland fire near Mercer in the Waikato. As the planning manager, Dave Herries was part of the incident management team, while I oversaw aircraft use as the air support supervisor. With the combined efforts of eight helicopters, two aircraft, and dedicated ground crews, Fire and Emergency successfully contained and extinguished the fire.
Our fire crews had a busy few weeks in November and December. On the 20th and 28th of November, we spent the night attending to vegetation fires in Te Puna near Tauranga and Lichfield in South Waikato. On the 18th of December, we were called to Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) to tackle another vegetation fire. Additionally, November and December saw multiple seperate callouts for vehicle and machinery fires, including a car, truck, forklift, harvester, house bus, and house fire. Despite the hectic schedule, our team's dedication and expertise ensured all incidents were managed effectively.
Fortunately, there were no incidents over Christmas and New Year, giving our members a well-deserved break. However, this was short-lived, and two crews responded to Tahorakuri Forest 20km North of Taupo on the 15th of January, with one returning at 10 am the next day. Thirty-two firefighters from Taupō, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Lake Ōkāreka, Lake Tarawera, Ngongotaha, Edgecumbe, Eastern Bay and Tauranga brigades were in attendance. Twelve trucks, tankers and support vehicles were on the ground, while three helicopters worked from the air. Another crew from our brigade returned on the 17th to assist with the 30m containment line.
Fortunately, there were no incidents over Christmas and New Year, giving our members a well-deserved break. However, this was short-lived, and two crews responded to Tahorakuri Forest 20km North of Taupo on the 15th of January, with one returning at 10 am the next day. Thirty-two firefighters from Taupō, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Lake Ōkāreka, Lake Tarawera, Ngongotaha, Edgecumbe, Eastern Bay and Tauranga brigades were in attendance. Twelve trucks, tankers and support vehicles were on the ground, while three helicopters worked from the air. Another crew from our brigade returned on the 17th to assist with the 30m containment line.
 |  |  |
As of the 4th of December, we remain in a restricted fire season. This means you need a permit to light most types of open-air fires, such as campfires, bonfires, burn piles, and land management burns. Please exercise caution when cooking on a BBQ, mowing lawns, or using power tools near dry vegetation. If you come across campfires on the edge of our lakes or forests, kindly inform the person it's a restricted fire and extinguish it. If they refuse, leave them and call 111 with a good description of the location and type of fire. Your vigilance helps keep our community and forests safe.
Join Your Local Brigade
We always seek passionate and dedicated individuals to join our fire brigade. Whether you want to become a firefighter or support our brigade, there's a role for everyone. Joining us is rewarding to give back to the community and make a difference. Contact us on our website, www.lakeokarekafire.co.nz, for more information on our callouts and how to get involved.
Stay Safe and Connected
Your safety is our top priority. Follow us on Facebook for real-time updates, safety tips, and event announcements. Thank you for your continued support, and remember, together, we can keep Lake Ōkāreka safe and connected. We hope everyone in the community had a safe and relaxing holiday season.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade Team 🚒
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
Ngā mihi nui,
The Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade Team 🚒
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
RSS Feed