The fire at 61 Loop Rd., Sept. 29th.
A sobering event for all of us; those close to the scene were able to relate to it in terms of their own homes burning. The remorseless furnace-like roar and sounds of exploding windows are not quickly forgotten. There was only one course to take – contain it! We were thankful there was no wind and no drought. Many of the participants were, and will remain, shadows in the dark, but without their efforts the outcome could have been much worse.
Special thanks must go to the Connor and Kendrick families for providing refreshments to the fire-fighters. No one should ever feel that they might not be needed; there is always something to do, whether it be traffic control, welfare, first aid, or salvage of property.
The cause was probably electrical. It seems that heat had built up over several hours, contained and obscured by closed curtains, assisted by open doors and no fire resistant walls. There was nothing to stop it, once ignited.
Our sympathy goes to the Humphrey family, with a small, but positive, observation... they still have the view.
REMEMBER: Always dial 111 first and give clear, concise and accurate details because the telephonist in Hamilton may not have a clue where Okareka is.
The Humphrey family wish to thank the residents of Okareka for their goodwill and support during and after the fire. A special thank you to the local Fire Brigade for their invaluable contribution.
The Humphrey family.
A sobering event for all of us; those close to the scene were able to relate to it in terms of their own homes burning. The remorseless furnace-like roar and sounds of exploding windows are not quickly forgotten. There was only one course to take – contain it! We were thankful there was no wind and no drought. Many of the participants were, and will remain, shadows in the dark, but without their efforts the outcome could have been much worse.
Special thanks must go to the Connor and Kendrick families for providing refreshments to the fire-fighters. No one should ever feel that they might not be needed; there is always something to do, whether it be traffic control, welfare, first aid, or salvage of property.
The cause was probably electrical. It seems that heat had built up over several hours, contained and obscured by closed curtains, assisted by open doors and no fire resistant walls. There was nothing to stop it, once ignited.
Our sympathy goes to the Humphrey family, with a small, but positive, observation... they still have the view.
REMEMBER: Always dial 111 first and give clear, concise and accurate details because the telephonist in Hamilton may not have a clue where Okareka is.
The Humphrey family wish to thank the residents of Okareka for their goodwill and support during and after the fire. A special thank you to the local Fire Brigade for their invaluable contribution.
The Humphrey family.
As we approach another summer, a reminder that as we live within 1.5km. of Conservation Reserves and forests, a permit is required 365 days a year for all bonfires. This rarely causes any difficulties. Phone Department of Conservation 461-155.
It must be realised that we can be no more effective than local interest allows, which means that more emphasis must be put on prevention. There is no cure once a fire has occurred – only loss.
Particularly at risk is the area between Boyes Beach and the Ski Club. Despite being a “NO OPEN FIRE ZONE” (only portable barbeques allowed), certain groups are steadily spoiling Okareka for all of us by regularly lighting fires at night, mutilating trees and emptying rubbish bins for fuel. Last year most of the fences were burnt and parts of the children’s play equipment also. They have cost us thousands already and are returning yet again. But while this problem is not inevitable it is avoidable and has to be addressed unless Okareka is content to end up with a reputation of places like Papamoa Beach.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING!
A Department of Conservation night-duty officer list is held at the Store but … 456-326 should get results. Otherwise try 484-195 (District Council) or 480-099 (Rotorua Police)
How many of you have been inside the Fire-station since "The Opening" four and a half years ago? It is NOT a private club house but belongs to you and you are always welcome to drop in and view your well-cared-for assets. The more visitors, the better we feel about spending about three hours a week working there.
I know there is a vicarious pleasure to be derived from watching others work, but sometimes our lonely group is tempted to wonder whether many local residents are aware of the concept of doing things for reasons other than those of self-interest, or profit. If every household put aside three hours a week "for Okareka" just think what could be achieved with 600 hours!
Those of you who don't attend the A.G.M. (most) or read the noticeboard, may be curious to know what happens to your donations. The thought might occur: "I gave $10 last year, there haven't been any fires, so they can't have a need for more this year." Not so, I'm afraid.
However, it is pleasant to report that part of this year's donations has been put to very good use. We recently purchased, at auction, a mobile fire pump for $400, which currently sells for $15,000 new. Can you think of a better investment? This will enable us to retire its predecessor which has seen the best part of 50 years use and now requires an unreasonable effort to get it up and running. That crank handle has drawn its last blood!
Once again a sincere thankyou to all those who continue to support L.O.R.F.F.F.
You won't regret it.
It must be realised that we can be no more effective than local interest allows, which means that more emphasis must be put on prevention. There is no cure once a fire has occurred – only loss.
Particularly at risk is the area between Boyes Beach and the Ski Club. Despite being a “NO OPEN FIRE ZONE” (only portable barbeques allowed), certain groups are steadily spoiling Okareka for all of us by regularly lighting fires at night, mutilating trees and emptying rubbish bins for fuel. Last year most of the fences were burnt and parts of the children’s play equipment also. They have cost us thousands already and are returning yet again. But while this problem is not inevitable it is avoidable and has to be addressed unless Okareka is content to end up with a reputation of places like Papamoa Beach.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING!
A Department of Conservation night-duty officer list is held at the Store but … 456-326 should get results. Otherwise try 484-195 (District Council) or 480-099 (Rotorua Police)
How many of you have been inside the Fire-station since "The Opening" four and a half years ago? It is NOT a private club house but belongs to you and you are always welcome to drop in and view your well-cared-for assets. The more visitors, the better we feel about spending about three hours a week working there.
I know there is a vicarious pleasure to be derived from watching others work, but sometimes our lonely group is tempted to wonder whether many local residents are aware of the concept of doing things for reasons other than those of self-interest, or profit. If every household put aside three hours a week "for Okareka" just think what could be achieved with 600 hours!
Those of you who don't attend the A.G.M. (most) or read the noticeboard, may be curious to know what happens to your donations. The thought might occur: "I gave $10 last year, there haven't been any fires, so they can't have a need for more this year." Not so, I'm afraid.
However, it is pleasant to report that part of this year's donations has been put to very good use. We recently purchased, at auction, a mobile fire pump for $400, which currently sells for $15,000 new. Can you think of a better investment? This will enable us to retire its predecessor which has seen the best part of 50 years use and now requires an unreasonable effort to get it up and running. That crank handle has drawn its last blood!
Once again a sincere thankyou to all those who continue to support L.O.R.F.F.F.
You won't regret it.
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