Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force set to get a new station

For the first time in more than 30 years Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force is getting a new fire station and locals are invited to see the plans and provide input.

Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force chief fire officer Phil Muldoon said it was exciting for the team that Fire and Emergency New Zealand had seen the brigade as worthwhile to invest money and time in.

The original station at Lake Okareka was built 35 years ago by the Okareka community.

Dave Herries, left, and Phil Muldoon from the Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force with the plans for the brand new fire station. Photo/Ben Fraser

Over that 35 years the brigade had never missed a call, Muldoon said.

However, the building is now "inadequate" and the brigade has run out of room.

"It has no running water, no training facilities, nothing really that you would find in a modern station, we've run out of room."

The new station is a Fire and Emergency New Zealand prototype and will be the first of its kind in the country.

"We'll have even more capability and can provide a better response for our community," Muldoon said.

An artists impression of the new station at Lake Okareka. Photo/Supplied

On June 13 the station will open its doors to the public, putting on a barbecue and a presentation.

Representatives from Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Rotorua Lakes Council will be there to answer any questions.

"It's all about supporting our community," Muldoon said.

"For us it's a good feeling to help when people need it and be able to provide the best service."

Assistant area commander Hamish Smith said the open night was an opportunity for the local community to listen to the proposal and have a look at the concept drawings.

The current station at Lake Okareka. Photo/Ben Fraser

"Everyone is working together to do their bit and this is an opportunity for the community to be part of that as well.

"Looking into the future this could be quite a strategic building for Okareka."

The building could become part of the Lake Okareka Civil Defence and Emergency Response plan.

Smith said it was the work of the council that helped make the new station possible.

Dave Herries, left, and Phil Muldoon from the Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force with the plans for the brand new fire station. Photo/Ben Fraser

"That station will be part of the FENZ family.

"We are hoping to get the build under way as soon as the behind the scenes work is done."

The rebuild is planned for summer 2018/2019.

The details
What: Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force open station night
Where: Lake Okareka Fire Station, 23 Okareka Loop Rd
When: June 13, 6pm to 8pm
Cost: Free