On December 1 2022, 34 representatives from Police, FENZ, St John, LandSAR, Mackenzie Lakes Coastguard, Lake Tekapo Civil Defence Welfare Team, Mackenzie District Council Civil Defence and the Lake Tekapo Lions group attended a workshop at the Lake Tekapo Community Hall to plan a multi-agency and community response to a developing incident.
The group were presented a wildfire scenario that included a possible evacuation of the Lake Alexandrina Huts and Mt John area.
This was a very real scenario that many towns in the Mackenzie District could potentially be exposed too. Being prepared and having excellent community relationships is paramount to providing a professional and coordinated response.
All emergency services and community groups had to work together in collaboration to respond to the incident, utilising local resources.
The Mackenzie District Emergency Management Officer Joe Rush was impressed by the attendance, teamwork, and professionalism the community response showed. This was certainly not an easy scenario where time was a critical factor to preventing risks to people and property.
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