Volunteer firefighters from across Otago and Southland came together in Wānaka on Saturday (September 6) for a large-scale training exercise designed to strengthen disaster preparedness and rescue skills in the region.

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Alpine Fault (AF8) preparedness, and vehicle extrication are three key areas for brigades in the region, the event organisers said.

“You can never do enough training for natural disasters,” Wānaka Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Tony Wellman said.

“This event gave our volunteers new skills, the chance to step into leadership roles, and the opportunity to strengthen how we work together as a large group.” 

The training topics reflect real challenges faced in Central Otago. 

Hosted by the Wānaka Volunteer Fire Brigade, the event combined theory sessions with hands-on rescue scenarios. 

The morning sessions looked at a range of scenarios, with Tony leading a session on USAR techniques, sharing insights on disaster response in Otago and Southland, and guiding a practical exercise with USAR tools. 

Holmatro trainer Ronald de Zanger drew on his international experience in road crash rescue to highlight safety considerations for working with electric vehicles.

FENZ Otago District group manager Michael Harrison outlined the likeliest scenarios if a magnitude 8 quake (AF8) were to strike along the alpine fault, including expected casualties, infrastructure impacts, and the limited availability of outside aid.

“An AF8 event is going to happen: it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” Michael said. 

Southern fire brigades are taking the best of global rescue techniques and making them work for their local communities.

“The best thing we can do is prepare - at work, at home, and in our communities - so when it does happen we’re ready and can do the very best we can.”

The afternoon sessions were practical exercises, including a simulated mass-casualty event at Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, where crews practiced search, triage, evacuation, and communication techniques essential for responding effectively after a major earthquake.

Organisers said events like this are vital to community safety.

“Sharing knowledge is what it’s all about. These brigades are taking the best of global rescue techniques and making them work for their local communities,” Ronald said.

Wānaka Volunteer Fire Brigade senior station officer Tom Syben said every time firefighters strengthen their skills and connections “our communities become safer”. 

“We chose these topics because they reflect the real challenges we face here in Central Otago. If we train for the situations most likely to affect our communities, we’ll be sharper and more effective when the time comes.”

Find information about preparing for a natural disaster here.

PHOTOS: Supplied