As winter passes by and spring arrives, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is working with residents of Naseby to plan for any emergency event. 

FENZ Community Engagement Advisor Otago/Southland Sally Chesterfield says the organisation is keen to work with residents and property owners to help the community understand the local risk from wildfire and be better prepared. 

“We have committed to holding a community meeting to kickstart the discussions and we will let you know the date soon, when the report into the Lake Ōhau has been completed,” she says. 

“We try to hold a community meeting prior to the summer to remind people of the actions they can take to reduce fire risk. The Lake Ohau fire has made some people feel anxious that Naseby has a similar fire risk.  

“We want to take the opportunity to discuss the Lake Ohau Fire report with the Naseby community once it is released.

“We won’t know until the report is released how it relates to Naseby.  A community meeting gives all of us a chance to discuss, understand and ensure the relevant parts of the report are applied to Naseby.

“That will be an opportunity to see if the report and recommendations will provide any pointers for the Naseby area.

“A reminder that all open-air fires require a permit within 1km of the Naseby forest 365 days a year.”

Naseby residents are fairly aware of the fire risk they live with, but there are always new people coming into an area. 

“It is just a good opportunity to touch base with everyone, encase there are concerns of any kind,” Sally says. 

“Knowledge is power and there are a lot of things people can do to reduce their fire risk and know how to respond when a fire occurs. 

“Just as everyone should be aware of their earthquake or flood risk, people need to be aware of their fire risk.  It’s better to know and understand the risk than be surprised by it and have to make ill informed decisions.  

“Naseby residents are pretty aware of the fire risk, but it doesn’t hurt to discuss it.”

“(About) 99% of all fires in New Zealand are started by people.  It is our actions which cause fires, not the environment we live, work or play in.  

“The things we do, such as following the rules on a fire permit or not lighting during a total fire ban determine more than anything else if a fire will occur.”

You can find information and apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz 

Also you can sign up to Emergency Management Otago ‘Gets Ready’, where you can receive emergency information via email or text to help support your readiness and preparedness. 

Otago Gets Ready is an online system that allows community members to submit their contact details and information about the resources and skills they have and any needs they may require support within an emergency. Go to https://otago.getsready.net/

“As we enjoy the change of seasons it is a timely reminder that there are things you can do right away to keep your property safe and make an evacuation plan,” Sally says. 

Things you can do to reduce fire risk:

• Create safety zones around your house to act as a barrier against fire. 
• Keep your lawn mown, your gutters and roof clear of debris, and choose fire-resistant plants. 
• Make sure your driveway clearance is at least 4 metres wide and 4 metres high. 
• Ensure there is easy access to water for firefighting. 
• Store firewood and other flammable material away from your house. 

For more information go to www.cheskitsalright.nz 

How and where to evacuate to in the event of a fire:

• Travel to and report at the evacuation point at the intersection of Mt Buster Road and the Naseby-Dansey’s Pass Road or the alternate evacuation point of 1057 Channel Road. 
• If time allows check neighbours and offer to help where possible any people who need assistance.
• If there is time, take a change of clothes, sufficient medications for 24 hours, and important documents. 
• It is a good idea to keep a grab-bag with these items somewhere handy at home or in your car. 
• Take your pets if possible. 
• Transport will be available at the Fire Station at 4 Ness Street for those without a vehicle or who need assistance.

A full copy of the Naseby Response Plan can be found here.