Akitio fire chief praises quick-thinking resident for saving village after house blaze

Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis, with Akitio resident Hugh Ramsden, who quickly called in a helicopter to fight the Cowan fire. Photo / Christine McKay

CAkitio would have been a goner when a blaze broke out in the Cowan home if it hadn't been for the quick thinking of a resident, fire chief Murray De'Admin says.

"This community would have been in deep shit if it wasn't for Hugh Ramsden who was first on the scene and quickly called in a helicopter," De'Admin said at a community thank you on Sunday night.

"Hugh is a legend and the only way we saved Akitio was by his quick thinking and the help from all our community who turned up to help.

"If the fire had gone over into the Cowan's paddock and over the trees, we would have been another Nelson."

On Sunday night the Akitio community were thanked for their support on the day of the fire and everyone dug deep into their pockets to help Muriel and George Cowan with the rebuild of their home, donating $3700.

"We wouldn't wish that fire on anyone," Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said.

"But knowing they have a community like this behind them who come together and that everyone cares makes a big difference.

"We all know how lucky Akitio was that a small wind change didn't happen that day. It was scary and the work this community and its volunteer firefighters did that day was
wonderful.

"It's times like this we see the strength of our rural communities."