Hokitika Volunteer Fire Brigade

26/03/2026

Things may be heating up in the Middle East, but it doesn't mean you should be storing explosives in your home.

🔥 Fuel is flammable. Stockpiling it can be dangerous. 💥

👉 https://www.epa.govt.nz/everyday-environment/petrol/

We understand people in our communities are concerned about the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel, and it may be tempting to store extra fuel on your property. Fire and Emergency does not recommend this.

Fuel is a highly flammable substance, and storing large quantities of it comes with serious fire danger.

A fire involving fuel spreads rapidly and releases a lot of heat. Even a small spill can cause a devastating fire that will spread incredibly quickly.

Find further information on the storage of your existing fuel: www.epa.govt.nz/everyday-environment/petrol/

08/03/2026

Happy International Woman's Day! A special shout out to the awesome ladies from the Hokitika Fire Brigade Lisa , Luzanne and Samantha. Thank you for everything you do for the community.

Fire and Emergency NZ

03/03/2026

17/02/2026

Was there a pot of gold under last night's rainbow? 💰🍀🌈

We didn't check, we were too busy with our training exercise! 🚒🚒

Our brigade trains twice a month on a variety of skills, to make sure we're ready when the siren sounds:
🔥 Fires
🌳🐈 Rescues
💥🚗 Vehicle crashes
🚑 Medical assistance
🧪 Hazardous substances

We're ready for an emergency, but are you?? 👀
There's no better time than NOW to talk with your family or household about your plan. Build your customised 3-step escape plan here: https://www.fireandemergency.nz/home-fire-safety/3-step-escape-plan

09/02/2026

10 years ago: Westland High School fire, Monday 8th February 2016, 12:48pm.

This was no doubt Hokitika's most significant fire of the decade, with the 2-storey school office and hall destroyed, multiple classrooms affected and the school community impacted for several years.

Fire fighters put in efforts from the ground and from the roof to cut the fire off from spreading to the wings, but this was challenging due to fire tracks inside walls and ceiling cavities.

The incident was attended by fire crews from:
🚒 Hokitika Volunteer Fire Brigade
🚒 Ross Volunteer Fire Brigade
🚒 Kumara Volunteer Fire Brigade
🚒 Greymouth Volunteer Fire Brigade
🚒 Cobden Volunteer Fire Brigade
🚒 Brunner Volunteer Fire Brigade
🚁 With a special appearance by Anderson Helicopters.

📷 Photos credit: Kate Veale at K8zphotography

02/01/2026

...and the numbers are in!

In 2025 we responded to 165 calls, which is a fairly typical number for our brigade.

Have a happy 2026, people of Hokitika, we hope not to cross paths with you this year 😅❤️

(But seriously, call 111 if you need us)

22/10/2025

West Coast fire brigades will open their station doors to the public on Tuesday night! 👋

The main focus of this open night is to recruit volunteers. However, as our brigade is lucky enough to have a full establishment, we're inviting people along to meet the team and discover what we do.
🚒👨‍🚒👩‍🚒🧑‍🚒
If you're keen to volunteer, we'd love to get your contact details in case a position opens up.

📅 Come and meet your local fire fighters at 7pm on Tuesday 28th October - we look forward to seeing you there!

22/10/2025

Thanks Scott. Not sure we believe that you cooked the sausage rolls yourself but they definitely tasted homemade and disappeared quick

Dropped some pies, sausage rolls and other goodies down to the Hokitika Volunteer Fire Brigade after training on Tuesday night - a small thank you for everything they do to keep our community safe.

Legends!

30/09/2025

💕 Today on International Day for Older Persons, look to those who may have raised you, guided you and taught you what you needed to become the person you are today. Think of the times they saved you from doing something stupid, made sure you were safe and lectured you about the right thing to do.
☝️ Well, this is our brief lecture to you; 55% of fire fatalities are people over the age of 60. Think of someone over the age of 60 in your life. A parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or neighbour - do you know if they have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and living area? Don’t guess. Don’t assume. Find out and if they don’t, fix it for them.
🤔 If you think they might need help sorting this problem, you can request home fire safety visits through our website https://www.fireandemergency.nz/.../home-fire-safety-visits/ or tag them in the comments - we'll be in touch 👇

06/08/2025

We had two sets of interesting visitors this week...
On Tuesday we were visited by a group of exchange students from Edogawa City, Tokyo. They are part of the Edogawa Youth Wing which is run by the Edogawa City Council and a group has been visiting us for 23 years (except for COVID, Chch earthquake and Japanese tsunami) . Students apply to be part of the programme from schools all over Edogawa city.
Wednesday we were visited under different circumstances by the Westpac Rescue helicopter that made a special trip from Christchurch to transfer a patient to hospital. We assisted in preparing a safe landing zone on Weld St near the patient's house, which drew a lot of people to watch from a safe distance. Thanks to all those who respected our cordons and the patient's privacy.

25/07/2025

Pop up to Hokitika Airport to watch fire fighters from all over the West Coast (and further) compete in the West Coast Provincial Fire Brigades' Association drivers' challenge today!

It is an early morning start here at our Hilton Haulage Drivers Challenge!
Enjoy this beautiful winters day, come down and watch from 9:30am ❄️🔥