G’day
Well, summer’s almost over, so now we can have our village back to ourselves again! However, since Christmas, we have been quite busy with callouts - ranging through horse rescue, ambulance assist and a large number of motor vehicle accidents. For the record, we have put in 10 incident reports since 1 January 1999 - again, the majority being motor vehicle accidents, mainly on the water tank bend on Tarawera Road.
Most of the vehicles involved have been visitors, but some locals have also been caught out. Please, please believe those ‘slippery road’ signs and drive accordingly. Also, the speed limit of 55 km/h is a recommended maximum speed, NOT a minimum!!! And for all those young (and not so young) drivers who think they are bulletproof - quite simply, you’re not.
We have been very fortunate to avoid any scrub fires during the long days of summer. Hopefully, the recent rain will have eased problems in that area. You may not be aware that as recently as late February, there was a large scrub fire in the Tarawera area, which required a helicopter and monsoon bucket operation.
There had been some considerable discussion over the gate across the road to the ski club. I wish to record that the fire brigade has not been involved in that process and has not been given a key to that gate. Whilst I have no wish to be involved in the politics of the situation, I trust that a key, to be carried in the main fire appliance, will be forthcoming. Presently, should there be a fire - scrub or property - in that area, both ourselves and New Zealand Fire Service are prevented access which could have serious effects on the surrounding properties and countryside.
Finally, and it doesn’t seem long since I wrote this, make sure those chimneys are clean and clear before you light the fire on a chilly night.
Regards to all,
Dave Field
Chief Fire Officer
Lake Okareka Fire
Well, summer’s almost over, so now we can have our village back to ourselves again! However, since Christmas, we have been quite busy with callouts - ranging through horse rescue, ambulance assist and a large number of motor vehicle accidents. For the record, we have put in 10 incident reports since 1 January 1999 - again, the majority being motor vehicle accidents, mainly on the water tank bend on Tarawera Road.
Most of the vehicles involved have been visitors, but some locals have also been caught out. Please, please believe those ‘slippery road’ signs and drive accordingly. Also, the speed limit of 55 km/h is a recommended maximum speed, NOT a minimum!!! And for all those young (and not so young) drivers who think they are bulletproof - quite simply, you’re not.
We have been very fortunate to avoid any scrub fires during the long days of summer. Hopefully, the recent rain will have eased problems in that area. You may not be aware that as recently as late February, there was a large scrub fire in the Tarawera area, which required a helicopter and monsoon bucket operation.
There had been some considerable discussion over the gate across the road to the ski club. I wish to record that the fire brigade has not been involved in that process and has not been given a key to that gate. Whilst I have no wish to be involved in the politics of the situation, I trust that a key, to be carried in the main fire appliance, will be forthcoming. Presently, should there be a fire - scrub or property - in that area, both ourselves and New Zealand Fire Service are prevented access which could have serious effects on the surrounding properties and countryside.
Finally, and it doesn’t seem long since I wrote this, make sure those chimneys are clean and clear before you light the fire on a chilly night.
Regards to all,
Dave Field
Chief Fire Officer
Lake Okareka Fire
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