G’day everyone
Well, summer’s here—yes, really, it’s official! Needless to say—no problems with fires or barbecues out of control yet. But we have had two events I’d like to mention.
Firstly, the good news. Recently a number of us received medals at a function in the Rotorua District Council Chambers, in recognition of our voluntary efforts, particularly in the International Year of the Volunteer. Whilst these medals were approved by the United Nations, they were awarded at the request of the New Zealand Fire Service, and they are appropriately inscribed. A nice gesture, I think, from our professional colleagues.
And now, the bad news. Recently we were called out to a serious motor vehicle accident—car overturned, persons trapped. The initial call was made to St John Ambulance, and the location was given as Benn Rd, Okareka Loop Rd, and Tarawera Rd. In the event, there was no such accident, and the incident was recorded as a malicious false alarm. However, our two trucks, two fire trucks from town, an ambulance, and police cars were involved for up to two hours trying to find the accident. Having searched Okareka village, we then travelled Tarawera Rd from Lewis Rd to the far end of Tarawera trying to locate the incident. This “bit of fun” in somebody’s mind could have had serious, fatal consequences had there been a major incident anywhere in the Rotorua area. Rotorua police would be very interested to hear from anyone who may have any information on that incident.
Finally, from all of us at Okareka Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, have a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Dave Field, Chief Fire Officer
Well, summer’s here—yes, really, it’s official! Needless to say—no problems with fires or barbecues out of control yet. But we have had two events I’d like to mention.
Firstly, the good news. Recently a number of us received medals at a function in the Rotorua District Council Chambers, in recognition of our voluntary efforts, particularly in the International Year of the Volunteer. Whilst these medals were approved by the United Nations, they were awarded at the request of the New Zealand Fire Service, and they are appropriately inscribed. A nice gesture, I think, from our professional colleagues.
And now, the bad news. Recently we were called out to a serious motor vehicle accident—car overturned, persons trapped. The initial call was made to St John Ambulance, and the location was given as Benn Rd, Okareka Loop Rd, and Tarawera Rd. In the event, there was no such accident, and the incident was recorded as a malicious false alarm. However, our two trucks, two fire trucks from town, an ambulance, and police cars were involved for up to two hours trying to find the accident. Having searched Okareka village, we then travelled Tarawera Rd from Lewis Rd to the far end of Tarawera trying to locate the incident. This “bit of fun” in somebody’s mind could have had serious, fatal consequences had there been a major incident anywhere in the Rotorua area. Rotorua police would be very interested to hear from anyone who may have any information on that incident.
Finally, from all of us at Okareka Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, have a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Dave Field, Chief Fire Officer
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