The last few months have been less hectic for the Lake Ōkāreka Fire Brigade compared with the start of the year. The official opening event for the new station took place on 20th March with brigade members, FENZ management, Fire and Emergency Board Chair Paul Swain, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust’s Tony Gill, Councillor Dave Donaldson, local iwi and Lake Ōkāreka residents in attendance. Fenella Playne, Peter Harding and Martin Caughey provided a memorable connection to the humble beginnings, history and progress of the Lake Ōkāreka rural fire brigade and past members. Following the presentation of two plaques for the station, the new building was officially opened by the Internal Affairs Minister, the Hon. Jan Tinetti, assisted by Fenella and myself. A special thank you to local kaumātua Wairangi Jones and Pererika Mahika for their support and overseeing the proceedings.
A key focus for the Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade over the next 12 months is realigning systems, processes, operational requirements, and brigade management functions to the new facility, including the future operational growth, capability development and direction of the brigade.
The new facility has already been well used as a community hub during the first half of 2021 with several meetings and workshops being held by various groups such as Lake Ōkāreka Community Association (LOCA), Landcare Ōkāreka, Department of Conservation, and a lakes water quality group. The new facility has also hosted FENZ regional and national leadership meetings and workshops.
Use of the facility is available to the Ōkāreka community, however, it is not available for parties and social functions. Please contact me for any booking enquiries. We are also exploring options for cleaning of the station – any suggestions or recommendations would be welcome.
A key focus for the Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade over the next 12 months is realigning systems, processes, operational requirements, and brigade management functions to the new facility, including the future operational growth, capability development and direction of the brigade.
The new facility has already been well used as a community hub during the first half of 2021 with several meetings and workshops being held by various groups such as Lake Ōkāreka Community Association (LOCA), Landcare Ōkāreka, Department of Conservation, and a lakes water quality group. The new facility has also hosted FENZ regional and national leadership meetings and workshops.
Use of the facility is available to the Ōkāreka community, however, it is not available for parties and social functions. Please contact me for any booking enquiries. We are also exploring options for cleaning of the station – any suggestions or recommendations would be welcome.
Various brigade members, including newer recruits, have been attending formal training courses over recent months. In addition to this, firefighter crews also attended two live vegetation burns on Mount Ngongotaha. The first burn was lit by hand; the second burn also used a helicopter for aerial ignition of certain areas of vegetation. The controlled burns provide an invaluable practical training experience for firefighters in terms of the planning and preparation for such events, fire behaviour and environmental factors, and fire containment and control. The live burns also provided key learnings on how to use fire as a tool for fire risk reduction.
It is that time of the year when certain members of the brigade get deployment-ready by undertaking annual medical and fitness tests requirements. Overseas deployments continue to be impacted by COVID and quarantine implications. However, national deployments are equally important as we head towards summer and being prepared is of paramount importance.
On another note, the Lake Ōkāreka Fire Brigade has been asked to assist LŌCA with the community firework display being planned for 6 November. A date to look forward to.
Finally, with the colder nights and wintery weather, please be aware of the conditions and take when the roads are icy, wet or greasy. Also, make sure to clean your chimneys if they are being used frequently and haven’t been swept for a while.
If you have been thinking about joining and would like to see w hat we are about, please phone me on 3628 874. You can also go to our website: www.ōkārekaruralfire.co.nz/
Phil Muldoon
Chief Fire Officer
On another note, the Lake Ōkāreka Fire Brigade has been asked to assist LŌCA with the community firework display being planned for 6 November. A date to look forward to.
Finally, with the colder nights and wintery weather, please be aware of the conditions and take when the roads are icy, wet or greasy. Also, make sure to clean your chimneys if they are being used frequently and haven’t been swept for a while.
If you have been thinking about joining and would like to see w hat we are about, please phone me on 3628 874. You can also go to our website: www.ōkārekaruralfire.co.nz/
Phil Muldoon
Chief Fire Officer
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