Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade

10/06/2026

As we approach the shortest day of the year, and with National Volunteer Week just ahead, here’s a quick update on call-outs so far this year for the Ōkāreka Station.
A big thank you to everyone who responds to support our community — whether it’s the middle of the night or during a busy weekday. We know it’s not always easy to step away.
And a special shout-out to those working behind the scenes to support the brigade — your time and effort are greatly appreciated.

20/05/2026

As winter sets in, our volunteers have been called to two residential fires in the last couple of days, prompting a crucial reminder to ensure regular chimney cleaning and to maintain safe distances between heaters and surrounding furniture, as well as clothing put out to dry.

20/05/2026

The beginning of the year has swung between disruptive storms and bright, sun‑soaked days, reminding us how quickly conditions can change and why staying prepared matters for everyone.​ ...

10/04/2026

Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain and large swells to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty. The storm has the potential to be a significant and damaging weather event.

Forecasters have warned that the combination of damaging winds and heavy rain on already saturated ground will bring a risk of surface flooding, fallen trees, slips, landslides, road closures and power outages.

What you can do now to prepare:
🔹️Check gutters, drains & grates around your property to reduce the risk of flooding.
🔹️Bring items inside or tie them down.
🔹️Keep items at hand for repairing windows – tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
🔹️Check your emergency supplies & have a household plan in case of an emergency.
🔹️Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours & relatives.
🔹️Be prepared for power outages.
🔹️In rural areas move livestock away from waterways & powerlines.

What to do during the event:
🔹️Postpone outdoor activities & travel on Sunday.
🔹️Be aware of falling trees & stay clear of downed powelines.
🔹️Avoid waterways or low-lying areas water can rise rapidly during & after heavy rain.
🔹️Never try to enter flood waters – even in a vehicle.
🔹️Bring pets indoors and if you have to leave your home take your pets with you.
🔹️Always follow instructions from emergency services.

Our Community Emergency Hub at the Fire Station will be available for anyone needing support. You can find more information at the Lake Ōkāreka website: www.lakeokareka.org/okareka-civil-defence

Please stay updated with official forecasts and follow all advice from emergency services and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence. Stay safe and look out for one another.

Weather warnings and forecasts, visit NIWA Weather and MetService New Zealand

25/02/2026

UPDATED DATE FOR OKAREKA KIDS RAFT RACE - 18th March.

With many of our local youth attending the Crankworx local's free night on the 11th March, we have made the decision to change the date of the kids annual raft race to the week after. WED 18th March. Look forward to seeing you all there and the community BBQ available at the fire station after.

17/02/2026

As we head into February, summer has brought a full and fast‑paced season for our brigade, from national wildfire support to local rescues, community sports events, and practical fire‑risk...

26/01/2026

20/01/2026

RED HEAVY RAIN WARNING – BAY OF PLENTY

Deep tropical moisture is set to bring very heavy rain and intense downpours, creating a real risk of river and flash flooding as well as landslips across our region. MetService New Zealand has upgraded the weather warning to RED for parts of the North Island, including Bay of Plenty.

What to expect:
- An additional 180–240 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen
- Peak rainfall rates of 25–40 mm/h from Wednesday evening
- Downpours may occur anywhere in the district

Impacts:
- Threat to life from dangerous river conditions
- Significant flooding and slips
- Road closures, travel disruption, and possible community isolation

What to do:
- Do NOT enter floodwaters
- Avoid travel where possible
- Act quickly to self‑evacuate if you see rising water
- Prepare for power and communication outages

If rainfall reaches predicted levels, our Community Emergency Hub at the Fire Station will be available for anyone needing support.

Please stay updated with official forecasts and follow all advice from emergency services and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence. Stay safe and look out for one another.

18/01/2026

Twenty‑two New Zealand firefighters have departed for Victoria to support crews battling ten active bushfires — including four major ones burning under extreme conditions. Among them is our own Phil Muldoon, who is leading the task force on this 15‑day deployment.

This mission brings together volunteer crews, Fire and Emergency liaison officers, Department of Conservation firefighters, and a forestry crew from the Forest Protection Services. It’s demanding, dangerous work, and we’re grateful to the firefighters, their families, and their employers for making this response possible.

16/01/2026

Our volunteers responded today to a motorhome fire south of Rotorua, providing support with our 13000L water tanker.

Police are managing traffic on SH5 as the burnt-out motorhome is towed away.