Well, it’s been some time since our last Newsletter, but I’m happy to report that your Fire Brigade is in good shape and ready to take on the summer fire season. We have been quite busy recently with a broad range of “call-outs” covering herbage/scrub fires through to motor vehicle accidents to personal rescue. We have developed a crew system so that you can be assured that should our fire appliance turn up at your emergency, the Team on board have the expertise and training to deal with the situation.
This training is one of the benefits we have gained from joining the National Rural Fire Authority, along with improved equipment and greater access to information and assistance when we require it, for special situations such as Search & Rescue, chemical spills etc.
Let me take the opportunity to remind you that ALL fires other than “contained fires” ie incinerators, in Okareka require a permit from Dept of Conservation. These permits are issued free of charge and to get more details please phone the special fire permit number 346-1155 during normal office hours. Mind you, if your property catches on fire DON’T phone for a permit JUST DIAL 111 and let us do the rest!
Presently we have 18 registered Firemen, and we would like more people to come along to the Fire Station and find out all about us – Hopefully you will want to join up with us and you will be warmly received, I can assure you. Future Events include, the 3 Lakes Pumping Competition, to be held in conjunction with the Village Fete at Okareka. If you would like to take part, please contact Les Seekup on 362-8298. I would encourage our lovely ladies and younger members of the community to come forward to form teams for this event – After all we don’t want Tarawera or Rotoiti to take the winners trophies away from us, do we?
That’s about all the news at present, except to say have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year, from Lake Okareka Fire #110
Oh yes! if you’re going to invite us along for Xmas dinner at your place MAKE sure that you don’t have to do it by phoning 111.
– Dave Field, Chief Fire Officer, Lake Okareka Fire #110
FIREFIGHTERS
The phone rang at the fire station and a frantic voice said:
“I have just had the front yard landscaped, and there is a new rock-garden which cost me heaps and a flower bed down the side…”
“What’s this got to do with the fire station?” yelled the officer.
“Plenty,” continued the caller. “The house next door is on fire and I don’t want you blokes trampling all over my new garden.”
ALL GARDEN & RUBBISH FIRES
IN
LAKE OKAREKA REQUIRE A PERMIT
FROM
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
PHONE 346-1155 normal office hours
THIS APPLIES ALL YEAR ROUND
BBQ’s and FIRES in “incinerators” with a lid, do not require a permit
BUT
must be supervised at ALL times