Although many in the Wakatipu may be unprepared for a natural
disaster, the same cannot be said for residents at Closeburn.
They cannot afford not to be ready if and when disaster -
particularly fire - strikes.
On Saturday, about 40 families who live in the "red zone"
gathered at Closeburn Station for a barbecue and a chance to
speak to emergency services personnel, including
representatives from the Department of Conservation, St John,
Queenstown police and the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Resident and fire warden Kris Vermeir said he and his family
had been living in the area for about eight years and, having
been through the 2005 fire, which forced the evacuation of
homes, believed days like Saturday were important for every
member of the community.
It was about "getting to know the community and just being
made aware ... of what you need to be aware of," he said.
"We're 15 minutes' drive to town; it would take a while for
anybody to get here.
"It's a good chance to get together and realise what all of
these guys are doing for us."
Mr Vermeir said as terrifying as the 2005 event was, it was
also a "fantastic exercise" for the residents.
Following that fire, which was started by fireworks, the
community made plans to keep themselves and their properties
safe.
Measures included evacuation plans, purchasing fire
extinguishers, creating fire breaks and educating children.
"We went around the house and said 'if we had an hour to
leave ... what do we take with us and what do we leave
behind?
'"We've created a plan, I guess, so when the proverbial hits
the fan we're ready."
Doc Wakatipu rural fire officer Jamie Cowan said part of the
reason behind holding the day was to educate people about a
new pager system to provide residents with early notification
of any wildfires which might threaten homes and lives.
"In short, if there's a fire in this area, they don't get
cellphone reception.
"We currently get on the phone and ring the fire warden in
the different centres. It's a very slow system."
Mr Cowan said with the new pager system, any notification in
the area made through the 111 system would be forwarded to
the pagers, giving people plenty of warning to make
decisions.
So far, about 20 pagers had been sold, but Mr Cowan hoped to
at least double that.
"There are 120 to 150 homes in total and in the high risk
area there are probably about 70.
"The more pagers [out there] the better."
Pagers are available for $258.75 from the supplier, Salcom
Technologies.
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