Third wildfire preparedness meeting for Twizel community

13 Poutūterangi 2024

Householders in Hocking Lane, Glen Lyon Rd, Old Glen Lyon Rd and North West Arch areas are being invited to get together this month and start reducing their exposure to a wildfire.

Twizel’s Volunteer Fire Brigade is hosting the third in a series of community information sessions, aiming to help neighbourhoods understand the threat of wildfire and work together to make themselves safer.

Brigade leaders say people living on lifestyle blocks or in the semi-rural subdivisions around Twizel can take simple steps that will reduce their exposure to a wildfire, and also make it easier for the Brigade to protect their property.

The first session was held for Manuka Terrace residents in January. The second was held for The Drive, Tussock Bend and around Lake Ruataniwha in February. Now it’s the turn of people living in Hocking Lane, Glen Lyon Rd, Old Glen Lyon Rd and North West Arch, and also those who own property there but live elsewhere.

The meeting will be held at the Twizel Fire Station on Thursday 21 March from 6pm. It will also be livestreamed on Fire and Emergency’s Mid-South Canterbury Facebook page, for those who can’t be there in person.

The fire danger in the whole Mackenzie Basin remains extremely high, and any fire that starts is likely to be challenging for firefighters. The high fire danger is predicted to extend through autumn.

Brigade leaders say there are many things that every householder can do that will reduce their risk from a wildfire. They should also know what to do if a fire breaks out nearby.

Having a neighbourhood network to share information and encourage people to help each other would also be useful.

The Brigade is looking forward to seeing residents and hope they support this initiative.