Coming together for Chatham Islands Community Fire Safety Week

Coming together for Chatham Islands Community Fire Safety Week

In the first week of September, members from our Wellington District CRM team worked alongside the Chatham Islands Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Local Advisory Committee to shine a spotlight on fire safety in the communities living on the Chatham Islands, as part of their local Community Fire Safety Week.

“This mahi is so important for such a remote and resource-limited place like Chatham Islands where risk reduction plays a key role in helping to keep people and communities safe”, said Phil Soal, Wellington Community Risk Manager.

The week kickstarted with a Community Fire Safety Evening followed by the completion of free Home Fire Safety Visits for around 55% of households on Chatham Island, three Firewise school/kōhanga visits, encouraging families to create their own 3-step Escape Plans and supporting local residents  to be fire safe in their homes and surrounding properties.

“Many thanks to the Chatham Island Fire Brigade and visiting Fire Service so appreciate all you guys did to keep our homes safe” - Chatham Islands resident.

Wellington Community Risk Manager Phil Soal speaking at the Chatham Islands Community Fire Safety Evening.


Wellington Community Risk Manager Phil Soal speaking at the Chatham Islands Community Fire Safety Evening.

Kaingaroa School Principal Philip Graydon, Wellington SACRR Mirren Allen, Chatham Islands Volunteer Fire Brigade CFO Steve Joyce, Poutakawaenga Māori Paki Johnston at Kaingaroa School


Kaingaroa School Principal Philip Graydon, Wellington SACRR Mirren Allen, Chatham Islands Volunteer Fire Brigade CFO Steve Joyce, Poutakawaenga Māori Paki Johnston at Kaingaroa School