Tairāwhiti - Fire and Emergency NZ

This is the aftermath of a devastating house fire. From the road, it’s just ashes and a chimney left. But behind the gate lies a family's home & their memories, gone in minutes.

The suspected cause? Faulty electrical wiring. If your lights flicker, if switches spark, or if you smell something off, don’t ignore it. Your home isn’t the place to take chances.

Check before it sparks. Protect your whānau. Protect your home.

📷 Photo captured during a recent fire investigation in Tairāwhiti.

Today marks the start of National Volunteer Week 🔥❤️

In the Tairāwhiti District, spread across 15 volunteer brigades are 208 volunteer firefighters on call, serving their communities with unwavering commitment - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

They show up. To emergencies. To training. To community events. They show up when it’s hard, when it’s inconvenient, when their communities need them most — often making sacrifices, including precious time away from whānau.

So, this week, and every week, we say thank you — to our volunteers and to the support crews at home who make it possible for them to do what they do.

Your selflessness keeps communities safe. We appreciate you & we couldn’t do it without you!

Matariki Mahuika Ahi is a new tradition of lighting bonfires on beaches or at home to celebrate Matariki and bring communities together.

If you're lighting a fire this Matariki, visit www.checkitsalright.nz to check it's safe or have a read over these four stages of starting up a fire.

For more advice on bonfires https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/bonfires
For more advice on braziers https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce.../fire-pits-braziers

🔋IMPORTANT LITHIUM-ION BATTERY INFORMATION: 🔋

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found everywhere, from e-bikes to vapes, household appliances, and our kids’ toys. With this increase in rechargeable batteries, we are also seeing a significant rise of battery fire incidents in Aotearoa.

Lithium-ion batteries are high-energy and contain extremely flammable electrolytes. Circumstances which can cause these batteries to catch fire include overcharging/use of incorrect charging equipment, overheating or exposure to heat or extreme temperatures, physical abuse (e.g., dropping, crushing, piercing, and/or vibrations) and short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions, or system faults.

For more information, head to our website: https://www.fireandemergency.nz/lithium-ion-battery-safety/

We urge everyone to ensure they practice correct and safe use of li-ion batteries and please exercise caution around faulty items.

In the event of a fire, evacuate immediately and call 111.

Applications closing midnight TONIGHT!

If you’re ready for a career that makes a difference, today is the final day to take the first step.

Applications close midnight tonight🕛

For more information and to apply now, head to www.fireandemergency.nz/join.

We’re proud to recognise one of our own, Mags Middleton-Echave, who is currently part of a six-person team deployed to New South Wales to assist with the ongoing flood response.

Responding to a request from the NSW State Emergency Service, our team – made up of four Community Liaison Officers and two Jurisdiction Liaison Officers – will be on the ground for up to seven days, providing vital support.

Acting National Manager Response Capability Nick Pyatt says it’s a privilege to help our neighbours in times of need, and these deployments not only offer assistance but also give our people valuable experience to bring home.

We wish our deployed team all the best - they’re outstanding representatives of Fire and Emergency, and Tairawhiti are proud of the work they’re doing!

Did you know it you have just 3 minutes to get out of a house fire before it becomes unsurvivable? Having an early warning, planning two ways out and agreeing
on a safe meeting place means your household is much more
likely to make it out.

ADVISORY - CONTROLLED BURN - MACLAURIN RD>WAIMATA VALLEY RD

This is to notify the public of a 50-hectare controlled burn, taking place this afternoon (Wednesday 7th May 2025). The burn is happening in the hills between MacLaurin Road and Waimata Valley Road and will burn for at least 24hrs. The crew conducting the burn have machinery on standby and will be monitoring the area until the burn is complete.

Smoke will be visible in the surrounding area's and likely across the outskirts of the city. If you become concerned at any time during this burn period, please locate the source of the fire before calling 111.