Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade

19/05/2026

Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade – Sponsorship Opportunity
Help Us Purchase a Brigade Support Van

The Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade is seeking community support to help fund the purchase of a dedicated brigade van, with a target budget of $50,000 for a late model second hand van.
This vehicle will play an important role in supporting our volunteer firefighters by transporting members to:
• Weekly training practices
• Specialist training courses
• Community events
• Regional and national firefighting competitions
As this is not an operational emergency response vehicle, it is not eligible for funding through Fire and Emergency New Zealand. For this reason, our brigade must raise the funds independently.
We are proud to share that we have already committed $12,500 toward the purchase. We are now seeking sponsorships and donations from local businesses, organisations, and community members to help us reach our goal.
Why This Matters
Our brigade is made up entirely of dedicated volunteers who give their time to protect and serve the Cromwell community. Ongoing training and participation in competitions are vital for:
• Maintaining high operational standards
• Strengthening teamwork
• Developing advanced firefighting skills
• Representing Cromwell at a regional and national level
How to Support
We welcome:
• One-off donations
• Business sponsorships
• Major funding partnerships
Every contribution, large or small, will help strengthen our brigade and support the safety and resilience of our community.
For sponsorship discussions or further information, please contact:
Mike Borthwick
Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade
Mob: 027 588 8779
Email: [email protected]
Or deposits can be made to:
Bank Account Name: Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade
Account Number: 06-0921-00005578-002
(Please use your name or business name as the payment reference so that we can thankyou)
Thank you for supporting your local volunteer firefighters.

07/05/2026

New leadership in the Brigade

Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade enters a new era as Phil Ryan takes over as Chief Fire Officer from Neil Gillespie. Read about the leadership change, the dedicated team of 35 volunteers, and what it takes to keep the community safe.

05/05/2026

Last night we held our 152nd AGM, at which our Cheif Fire Officer Neil Gillespie handed over the reigns & CFO helmet to Phil Ryan who was our current Deputy Cheif. Phil in turn handed the DCFO helmet & role to Mike Borthwick.
Thanks to Bobby Lamont our Assistant District Commander for officiating & speaking.
Many thanks to Neil for his years leading the brigade as the DCFO & CFO. Neil will continue to be active in the brigade as a member of the Operation Support team.
Congratulations to Phil & Mike.

02/05/2026

Cromwell relay team. The young and the breathless. Got 3rd in the plate grade at National Firefighter Challenge, Wellington

15/04/2026

Now a restricted fire season and permits required as detailed here - please follow the rules!

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Otago Central, Naseby and Lakes zones into a restricted fire season as of 8am on Wednesday 15 April, until further notice.

During a restricted fire season, anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire must first obtain a fire permit from Fire and Emergency.

The following special risk zones will remain in a prohibited fire season:
- Queenstown
- Lake Wānaka islands
- Lake Wakatipu islands
- Mt Iron and Albert Town reserve.

The section 52 prohibition of fireworks in Upper Waitaki, Central and Lakes fire zones will also be revoked at 8am on Wednesday 15 April, until further notice.

Fireworks will remain prohibited in the following special risk zones:
- Queenstown
- Lake Wānaka islands
- Lake Wakatipu islands
- Mt Iron and Albert Town reserve
- Glendhu Bluffs
- Naseby
- Lake Ōhau.

Otago District Commander, Deane Chalmers, says recent cooler weather has reduced the fire risk.

"South-westerly weather and shorter days mean the vegetation around the district is no longer as dry.

"Fires are less likely to start and will not spread as quickly in these conditions.

"But fires can start in Otago at any time of the year, which is why people must apply for a fire permit at www.checkitsalright.nz," Deane Chalmers says.

"This website will also tell you whether the conditions are safe and provide safety tips for your burn."

26/03/2026

🪫 Know anyone like Pete? 😅

We all know a Pete. The moment there's a hint of uncertainty in the news, Pete's already backed the ute up to the servo and filled every jerry can he owns. Diesel, unleaded — Pete's not picky. He's got enough fuel in the garage to drive to Auckland and back. Twice. 🚗💨

And look, we love your enthusiasm Pete, but we need to have a little chat. ⛽🔥

Storing large amounts of fuel at home is actually a pretty risky move. Fuel is seriously flammable — even a small spill can turn into a big problem, very fast. We're talking rapid-spreading, hard-to-stop fires. Not the kind of drama any of us need!

Want to know more about safely storing the fuel you already have at home? Check out: 👉🔗 www.epa.govt.nz/everyday-environment/petrol/

24/02/2026

The fire risk for Wednesday is high so let’s make sure no fires are lit - remember the Central Otago patch is in a prohibited fire season!

Wednesday will be hot and windy in parts of inland Otago, which will push up the fire risk. Please don't light any outdoor fires on Wednesday, even if where you live is not already covered by a total fire ban.

There's never any need to guess whether it's OK to light a fire - just go to www.checkitsalright.nz and type in your location.

Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade Millers Flat Volunteer Fire Brigade Clyde Volunteer Fire Brigade Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade Omakau Fire Brigade Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade Luggate Volunteer Fire Brigade Lake Hawea Volunteer Fire Brigade Omarama Volunteer Fire Brigade Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade Glenorchy Volunteer Rural Fire Force Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Station Middlemarch Volunteer Fire Brigade Kingston volunteer fire brigade

Central Otago District Council Queenstown Lakes District Council Naseby Forest Recreation Area Teviot Valley Discussion Group Ida Valley Catchment Group Inc. Otago Federated Farmers

20/02/2026

All outdoor fires are now prohibited in Central Otago until further notice!

13/02/2026

30/01/2026

Let’s be careful and not add to the 25 calls we’ve already had this month!

The next few days are forecast to be windy in several parts of Otago, so please take extra care if you're planning an outdoor fire. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz first to see whether you need a fire permit and always look at the weather forecast before you light up.
Otago Federated Farmers Federated Farmers - North Otago Otago Rural Support Trust OCC - Otago Rural Women New Zealand North Otago Tarras Community Naseby Forest Recreation Area Ida Valley Catchment Group Inc. NOSLaM - North Otago Sustainable Land Management