Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade

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Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade A volunteer fire brigade serving the Lake Ōkāreka community, the Rotorua district and Aotearoa New Zealand.

There are many ways that volunteers can make a valuable contribution to the community. The Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade welcomes different people with different skills to meet a wide variety of community needs. Firefighting Roles:

Firefighter
Incident Controller
Driver/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


This page is maintained in guidance with the Fire and Emergency Social Media Policy: https://www.fireandemergency.nz/social-media-community-guidelines/

Phil Muldoon and Kierin Oppatt have deployed to the USA today as part of New Zealand’s Bravo wildfire response team. 57 ...
11/08/2026

Phil Muldoon and Kierin Oppatt have deployed to the USA today as part of New Zealand’s Bravo wildfire response team. 57 personnel are heading over with 43 from Fire and Emergency NZ, 4 from DOC, 5 from Forest Protection Services, and 5 from NZ Defence Force.

The team is entering an intense fire season. 101 new fires were reported yesterday, including 9 new large fires, with 98 large fires still uncontained. Around 29,840 personnel are currently assigned across the country. So far this year, 2.57 million hectares have burned across the USA.

https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn

As we approach the shortest day of the year, and with National Volunteer Week just ahead, here’s a quick update on call-...
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.

As winter sets in, our volunteers have been called to two residential fires in the last couple of days, prompting a cruc...
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.​ ...

Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain and large swells to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty. The stor...
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

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+64277775130

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