"Wildfire Awareness & Preparedness"

This talk came under the umbrella of Emergency Preparedness and was given to Timebank members on Tues 2nd Dec 2025 @ He Awhi Rito, Whangārei.

Michael Champtaloup, Senior Advisor Community Readiness & Recovery, Tai Tokerau Fire and Emergency gave this incredibly informative, fascinating and vitally important talk.

A talk that absolutely everyone needs to hear to minimize destruction to their property and themselves by fire.  With the incidence of big wildfires on the increase in Aotearoa, being informed places us at an advantage in the event of fire.

Mike covered the dynamics of fire and the steps to take to reduce risks to your property:

·       how fires grow and spread,

·       making your property fire-safe using landscaping and planting fire-resistant plants and trees,

·       avoiding highly flammable trees like pine, kānuka, mānuka, eucalyptus, fir, cypress & even totara,

·       fire season status, outdoor fire rules and permits.

 He also talked about being fire-safe in the home, eg proper use of batteries, especially lithium-ion which are in mobile phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, vapes etc. If incorrectly used they can overheat, catch fire or explode emitting toxic gas. Interestingly enough, insurance premiums are reduced if you can prove you’ve mitigated fire risk by following NZ Fire recommendations.

Mike also sited various case studies which were shocking and enlightening!

Being fire-prevention savvy at the start of summer is not only essential, it’s life-saving.

I personally can’t emphasize the importance of Mike’s talk. I suggest you get informed. There’s a wealth of information on the website www.fireandemergency.nz as well as www.checkitsright.nz  Always check the local fire danger level and apply for a permit before lighting up - many outdoor fires are banned during a prohibited fire season, including fire pits and braziers.

Mike left a pile of highly informative brochures which can be picked up from He Awhi Rito, 8 First Avenue, Whangārei.