There have been multiple changes within the brigade in the past few months. I was nominated chief in February by our members. I joined 18 years ago and have held various roles, from firefighter, crew leader, station training coordinator, secretary, and treasurer. I grew up in Lake Ōkāreka before moving to Wānaka, Auckland and London. I work as a paramedic for St John Ambulance, and I returned to Ōkāreka at the end of 2018. I want to offer our support and station to anyone in the community or any community group for meetings and events.
Phil Muldoon stepped down as chief in February after 20 years in the role but is still actively involved in the brigade. He said it was time for a break but was then deployed to Canada in June for six weeks, working 12-16 hours a day. While Canada experiences fires every summer, this year's wildfires have scorched at least 17.5 million hectares (175,774km2) of land, ten times more than in 2022, for comparison, Te Ika-a-Māui the North Island is 113,729 km2. As of the 20th of September, there were still 906 active wildfires, and 522 of those were deemed "out of control".
Phil Muldoon stepped down as chief in February after 20 years in the role but is still actively involved in the brigade. He said it was time for a break but was then deployed to Canada in June for six weeks, working 12-16 hours a day. While Canada experiences fires every summer, this year's wildfires have scorched at least 17.5 million hectares (175,774km2) of land, ten times more than in 2022, for comparison, Te Ika-a-Māui the North Island is 113,729 km2. As of the 20th of September, there were still 906 active wildfires, and 522 of those were deemed "out of control".
New Zealand is moving into its first El Niño summer since 2016, which is forecasted to be one of the strongest in 80 years. Hotter, drier, and stronger westerly winds than usual are expected this spring and summer, increasing the risk of drought and fire. Rural property owners can prepare by clearing gutters and vegetation, improving property access, and ensuring they have a plan of action.
We are looking to recruit new volunteers in both operational and non-operational positions. We have volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies and non-operational volunteers who look after the station equipment, lawns, and gardens. We need more volunteer firefighters and non-operational volunteers to manage vehicles, equipment, uniforms, and stores. Please contact me if you are interested or have experience in these roles.
Over the past six months, our callouts have been relatively quiet. However, on the 8th of July, a serious motor vehicle crash occurred on Tarawera Road. Four teenagers lost control of their car and crashed head-on into a tree at high speed. Unfortunately, they weren't wearing seatbelts and suffered severe and permanent injuries, which could've been prevented. We cannot stress the importance of wearing seatbelts. Thanks to those in the community who assisted before the emergency services arrived.
Rotorua Civil Defence contacted me to write a community response plan for civil defence emergencies. The plan identifies local hazards that may affect the Lake Ōkāreka community and outlines what the community can do to ensure that individuals, households, and businesses are prepared, can respond and remain self-reliant for at least three days without any outside assistance if an emergency occurs. A few potential hazards in the community include severe weather events, wildfires, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Once the plan is completed, it will be presented to the community by Civil Defence and LOCA at the fire station. LOCA will email out the meeting date and time for those interested.
Feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or phone 027 777 5130.
Cheers,
Kierin Oppatt
Chief Fire Officer
We are looking to recruit new volunteers in both operational and non-operational positions. We have volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies and non-operational volunteers who look after the station equipment, lawns, and gardens. We need more volunteer firefighters and non-operational volunteers to manage vehicles, equipment, uniforms, and stores. Please contact me if you are interested or have experience in these roles.
Over the past six months, our callouts have been relatively quiet. However, on the 8th of July, a serious motor vehicle crash occurred on Tarawera Road. Four teenagers lost control of their car and crashed head-on into a tree at high speed. Unfortunately, they weren't wearing seatbelts and suffered severe and permanent injuries, which could've been prevented. We cannot stress the importance of wearing seatbelts. Thanks to those in the community who assisted before the emergency services arrived.
Rotorua Civil Defence contacted me to write a community response plan for civil defence emergencies. The plan identifies local hazards that may affect the Lake Ōkāreka community and outlines what the community can do to ensure that individuals, households, and businesses are prepared, can respond and remain self-reliant for at least three days without any outside assistance if an emergency occurs. A few potential hazards in the community include severe weather events, wildfires, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Once the plan is completed, it will be presented to the community by Civil Defence and LOCA at the fire station. LOCA will email out the meeting date and time for those interested.
Feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or phone 027 777 5130.
Cheers,
Kierin Oppatt
Chief Fire Officer
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