Welcome to the latest update from your Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade. As summer nears, we’re focusing on growing our team, boosting community preparedness, and celebrating the ongoing efforts of our people both here at home and abroad. Read on for our key initiatives and how you can get involved.
Youth Recruitment & Driver Training Incentives
We’re calling all local teenagers and residents aged 16 and up to join the brigade and kick-start your driving experience. Our brigade offers
Whether you’re aiming to drive our appliances or boost your skill set, we’ll guide you through every step and cover the costs. Furthermore, teenagers who volunteer with fire brigades have better success with future university applications, university hall admissions, scholarship applications, and job applications.
Youth Recruitment & Driver Training Incentives
We’re calling all local teenagers and residents aged 16 and up to join the brigade and kick-start your driving experience. Our brigade offers
- Class 1 learners, restricted, and full licence fee reimbursement
- Approved defensive driving course reimbursement
- Qualifications for four-wheel-driving and emergency response
- Access to Class 2 and Class 4 licence training and licences
Whether you’re aiming to drive our appliances or boost your skill set, we’ll guide you through every step and cover the costs. Furthermore, teenagers who volunteer with fire brigades have better success with future university applications, university hall admissions, scholarship applications, and job applications.
Phil Muldoon's crew consists of William Sinclair, Zac Searle, Geoff Brown, Roger Nelson, and Emma Gibb.
Canadian Wildfires
Phil Muldoon is on deployment at Cross Lake in Manitoba for six weeks, aiding Canadian crews as they battle one of the country’s most intense wildfire seasons on record. So far in 2025, more than 5.8 million hectares have burned across provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Hundreds of active fires have forced thousands from their homes and generated smoke plumes that drift as far south as the northern United States.
Phil Muldoon is on deployment at Cross Lake in Manitoba for six weeks, aiding Canadian crews as they battle one of the country’s most intense wildfire seasons on record. So far in 2025, more than 5.8 million hectares have burned across provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Hundreds of active fires have forced thousands from their homes and generated smoke plumes that drift as far south as the northern United States.
Incident Response Recap
It’s been quieter here at Lake Ōkāreka, with only a handful of callouts so far. While fewer fires, weather events, and medical assists mean calm nights for our crews, we remain on high alert. Training drills are conducted weekly, ensuring that every firefighter stays sharp and ready.
Call for Community Emergency Hub Volunteers
Have you managed projects, teams, or resources in your profession? LOCA is building a Community Emergency Hub and is seeking individuals with experience in administration and coordination. As a hub team member, you’ll:
Final Thoughts
Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. Stay safe, stay prepared, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to volunteer, learn more about our driver training, or get involved with the emergency hub.
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]
It’s been quieter here at Lake Ōkāreka, with only a handful of callouts so far. While fewer fires, weather events, and medical assists mean calm nights for our crews, we remain on high alert. Training drills are conducted weekly, ensuring that every firefighter stays sharp and ready.
Call for Community Emergency Hub Volunteers
Have you managed projects, teams, or resources in your profession? LOCA is building a Community Emergency Hub and is seeking individuals with experience in administration and coordination. As a hub team member, you’ll:
- Develop local contingency plans
- Coordinate supply logistics during events
- Facilitate communication between agencies and residents
Final Thoughts
Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. Stay safe, stay prepared, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to volunteer, learn more about our driver training, or get involved with the emergency hub.
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]
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