Benneydale Volunteer Fire Brigade

24/03/2026

Hey all.

As you can see from the FENZ press release the Benneydale Volunteer Fire Brigade are now a first response medical crew working with Hato Hone St John.

Our area is the same as our fire turnout basically.

So half way or further when required to Mangakino, Taumuranui, Piopio, and Tekuiti.

Thanks to Laurel, Chris, and Jill for doing a fantastic job keeping the service going for as long as you did and could.

We hope we can do the same and make our little community a safe place with quick help.

The BVFB team.

05/03/2026

25/02/2026

25/02/2026

Are you planning a burn on your property? Let us know first! 🔥

Whether you are in an open season or you have a fire permit, letting us know when you plan to burn can reduce unnecessary call outs for our crews.

By using this simple online tool and notifying us of your burn:
✅ Our 111 call operators know there is a planned burn in the area.

✅ Calls from the public reporting this fire can be cross-checked with what we know is happening in the area.

✅Our teams can check in with the land owner to make sure their burn is still safe and under control.

✅ It reduces unnecessary call outs for our crews keeping them available for emergencies.

So before you light your fire, remember to let us know first at https://www.firepermit.nz/fenz/Default.aspx

08/10/2025

25/08/2025

https://checkitsalright.nz/prepare-for-wildfire

Stay safe and reduce the risk of fire over summer. Find out what you need to do before you light a fire outdoors and whether you need a fire permit.

05/07/2025

Be aware of these battery devices.

03/07/2025

Some great advice from the Get Ready website about what to do during a storm:

Stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless absolutely necessary.

Close exterior and interior doors and windows. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This could prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.

Stay informed during an emergency. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.
Follow the instructions of civil defence and emergency services.

Avoid bathtubs, water taps, and sinks. Metal pipes and plumbing can conduct electricity if struck by lightning. Use your water from your emergency supplies.

Unplug small appliances that may be affected by electrical power surges. If you lose power, unplug major appliances. This will reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.

For more info, visit Get Ready:
https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms

29/06/2025

🔥⚠️ Serene heater recall reminder ⚠️🔥

This morning we responded to a fire inside a cow shed in Ranfurly and found the fire was started by a Serene heater (thankfully no cows were harmed!)

This is one of many similar fires involving Serene heaters in the last year. This is a timely reminder to check your heater.

WorkSafe have issued a number of notices in relation to safety concerns with Serene heaters which can be viewed in full here: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/about-us/news-and-media/further-action-on-serene-bathroom-heaters/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVmNzeHlUTXh3cGNNSTZsVgEeSO-bLYelMl728K88ZGkamrMpSTnG8w2a0HRCwdmgtdlYhKSyvWo8ldqCDI0_aem_YtDk4upkk_3ZFBlVNvMQEg

If you have a Serene heater in your home:

• Check if your heater is a Serene heater with the model number S2068.

• If you have this heater, do not use it! Serene S2068 heaters are unsafe. Testing has found these heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. A series of fires and overheating incidents are associated with these heaters.

• If it is installed in your property, get an electrical worker to make it safe by isolating it from the electrical supply, or contact your landlord to arrange this, and they can dispose of it safely.

• The model number is located on a sticker on the top side of the heater. This can be difficult to read. A good tip to view the model number is to use your phone camera in selfie mode to view and take a photo of the label.
• There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed or property being damaged through use of these heaters.

• If your heater is a Serene model S207T or S2069, Energy Safety considers there is a low risk from continued use. However, if you observe an unusual smell or noise from the heater, do not use it and contact an electrical worker to check it over.

If you have any similar heater it is important to give it a vacuum from time to time to remove dust buildup.

24/02/2025

Ever wonder who's behind the wheel of the fire truck?

It could be your neighbour, your local mechanic, your primary school teacher, or YOU!

The Benneydale Volunteer Fire Brigade is made up of everyday people who've decided to give a little time to make a big difference.

No capes. No superpowers. But we do wear masks. Just regular, everyday people stepping up.

Keen to find out more? Message us or register your interest at [email protected] to be put in touch with our Brigade Leader.