Phil and I are currently deployed in the United States Pacific Northwest, where the region is facing one of its most severe wildfire seasons in recent years.
Washington is battling multiple major fires, with over 800 structures damaged or destroyed and around 60,000 residents were evacuated, one of the largest wildfire related evacuations in the state’s history.
Nationwide, the scale is even more striking. As of 13 August, more than 100 large fires are burning across the country, with over 2.6 million hectares burned in 2026. More than 30,000 personnel are currently assigned to incidents.
We are working in extreme conditions: persistent heat, deep drought, critically low fuel moisture, and wind events that are driving rapid fire growth across the Pacific Northwest.
Washington is battling multiple major fires, with over 800 structures damaged or destroyed and around 60,000 residents were evacuated, one of the largest wildfire related evacuations in the state’s history.
Nationwide, the scale is even more striking. As of 13 August, more than 100 large fires are burning across the country, with over 2.6 million hectares burned in 2026. More than 30,000 personnel are currently assigned to incidents.
We are working in extreme conditions: persistent heat, deep drought, critically low fuel moisture, and wind events that are driving rapid fire growth across the Pacific Northwest.
Bay of Plenty Firefighters: Jo McNickle, Kierin Oppatt, Phil Muldoon, Roger Nelson, Mark Cleghorn,
Ray Dunbar, John Harrison & Ken Hussey
El Niño: What It Means for Lake Ōkāreka This Summer
El Niño has been officially declared and is expected to strengthen into one of the most powerful events on record, with central Pacific Sea temperatures already exceeding 1.0°C above average.
What this means for us locally:
While El Niño typically brings drier conditions to our region, the unusually warm ocean temperatures around New Zealand may create more unpredictable swings, meaning we need to stay prepared for both sudden dry spells and bursts of active weather.
El Niño has been officially declared and is expected to strengthen into one of the most powerful events on record, with central Pacific Sea temperatures already exceeding 1.0°C above average.
What this means for us locally:
- Drier, windier conditions are likely for much of the North Island, increasing vegetation fire risk, especially in areas with cured grasses and scrub.
- Reduced rainfall is expected for northern and eastern regions, including much of the central North Island.
- Above‑average temperatures may further dry out fuels and elevate fire danger.
While El Niño typically brings drier conditions to our region, the unusually warm ocean temperatures around New Zealand may create more unpredictable swings, meaning we need to stay prepared for both sudden dry spells and bursts of active weather.
Preparing Lake Ōkāreka for Summer Fire Risk
We encourage residents to:
Join the Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
Our brigade is growing, and we’d love to welcome new members from our community.
Volunteering offers:
We are looking for people who are:
If you’re interested, come along to a training night, have a chat with our members, or reach out through the Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade Facebook page.
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
We encourage residents to:
- Clear gutters and remove dry vegetation
- Maintain safe zones around structures
- Check pumps, hoses, and water supplies
- Review your household emergency plan
- Stay updated on fire danger levels and restrictions
Join the Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
Our brigade is growing, and we’d love to welcome new members from our community.
Volunteering offers:
- Practical skills and nationally recognised training
- A tight‑knit team environment
- Opportunities for medical response, wildfire operations, and community support
- Pathways to specialist roles and international deployments
- A meaningful way to contribute to the safety and resilience of Lake Ōkāreka
We are looking for people who are:
- Community‑minded
- Keen to learn
- Physically capable
- Ready to be part of a supportive, motivated crew
If you’re interested, come along to a training night, have a chat with our members, or reach out through the Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade Facebook page.
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
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