Volunteer As A Rural Fire Fighter
The Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force is always looking for suitable people to volunteer as rural firefighters. Becoming a volunteer means you will be part of a dedicated team that protects your local community from the risk of fire. Our volunteers get involved because it is a practical way they can support their community.
Our volunteers are part of local teams that are trained to respond to vegetation fires. However, the teams may also respond to weather incidents, structure fires and car accidents. Fundraising and community awareness programs are other ways we engage with communities.
Rural Firefighter Training
The Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force has weekly training sessions and, when required, crews can attend specialist training courses on weekends.
The training is focused on responding to vegetation fires as this is what rural fire brigades usually respond to. However, occasionally you may respond to other emergency incidents. You will be trained by your fire brigade to the standard set by the National Rural Fire Authority.
Part of a Dedicated Team
Becoming a volunteer means you are able to work as part of a dedicated team, are prepared to undergo the required training, and can stand up to the rigors of service.
If you would like to be a rural fire volunteer, you will need to be:
Medical Test
You will need to complete a medical test to make sure you are fit enough to undertake duties. This, along with the pack test will help you determine the level of duties you can participate in.
Pack Test
The pack test measures the participant’s cardiovascular fitness, strength and muscle endurance, rather than their ability to fight hill-country fires. There are three levels of pack test: high, moderate and low.
Firefighting Roles
Respond to Emergency Incidents
Non Firefighting Roles
Volunteering can involve some hard work, but the rewards are great.
Volunteer Opportunities
Exciting Training Opportunities
Comprehensive training is available to all new members. The training you will undertake will depend on you and the role you are interested in.
Your training may include:
Apply to become a Volunteer
If you would like to be a volunteer rural fire fighter and feel you could commit the time and energy to the service please contact Phil Muldoon - (07) 3628874.
Our volunteers are part of local teams that are trained to respond to vegetation fires. However, the teams may also respond to weather incidents, structure fires and car accidents. Fundraising and community awareness programs are other ways we engage with communities.
Rural Firefighter Training
The Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force has weekly training sessions and, when required, crews can attend specialist training courses on weekends.
The training is focused on responding to vegetation fires as this is what rural fire brigades usually respond to. However, occasionally you may respond to other emergency incidents. You will be trained by your fire brigade to the standard set by the National Rural Fire Authority.
Part of a Dedicated Team
Becoming a volunteer means you are able to work as part of a dedicated team, are prepared to undergo the required training, and can stand up to the rigors of service.
If you would like to be a rural fire volunteer, you will need to be:
- 16 years old or over
- Located within a reasonable distance from a station
- Complete a medical test
- Complete a pack test
Medical Test
You will need to complete a medical test to make sure you are fit enough to undertake duties. This, along with the pack test will help you determine the level of duties you can participate in.
Pack Test
The pack test measures the participant’s cardiovascular fitness, strength and muscle endurance, rather than their ability to fight hill-country fires. There are three levels of pack test: high, moderate and low.
Firefighting Roles
- Firefighter
- Incident Controller
- Pump Operator
- Crew Leader
Respond to Emergency Incidents
- Rural or Urban Fires
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Medical Incidents
- Weather and Storm Damage
- Chemical Spills
- National and International Deployments
Non Firefighting Roles
- Brigade Committee
- Public Relations
- Fundraising Activities
- Community Events
- Issuing of Fire Permits
Volunteering can involve some hard work, but the rewards are great.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Develop leadership and people management capabilities
- Learn new skills that help you in your professional and personal life
- Receive accredited NZQA training
- Meet new people
- Achieve personal goals
- Put something back into your community
Exciting Training Opportunities
Comprehensive training is available to all new members. The training you will undertake will depend on you and the role you are interested in.
Your training may include:
- Basic Firefighting
- Pump Operation
- Fire Safety Awareness
- Fire Equipment Maintenance
- Heavy Transport Licence (Class 2 & 4)
- First Aid
- Helicopter Training
Apply to become a Volunteer
If you would like to be a volunteer rural fire fighter and feel you could commit the time and energy to the service please contact Phil Muldoon - (07) 3628874.
