"Fire is no respecter of life or property and it just doesn't care who lives or dies. The Kaikohe community needs to really think about that ... If that inferno had resulted in deaths this whole community would have to share the responsibility of the tragedy, especially if it involved the lives of children."
Mr Hutchinson said it was fortunate there weren't as many children at the centre as usual when the fire broke out. There were 13 instead of 40-plus, because the outcome could have been very different.
"I'm really thankful the staff managed to safely evacuate everyone to an assembly area, where a check confirmed all children and staff were accounted for," Mr Hutchinson said.
It was times like Wednesday's fire that escape plans and regular fire drills paid off.
"I'm sure there are some very grateful families out there hugging their kids and reflecting on that right now," he said.
However, Mr Hutchinson said his brigade had struggled to get enough firefighters to crew two trucks, and while it did not affect the outcome this time, it was only a matter of time before it did.
"It will end in tears for someone if we don't fill the numbers within the brigade," Mr Hutchinson said.
"When you want the fire brigade we will attend, but don't always expect us to be there as quick as you want because the fire crew may have to come from another town up to 35km away. I don't want to say 'you were warned' after the next serious fire."
An open day at the fire station last month and notices in every school newsletter had failed to spark a single response, despite reaching more than 1000 homes with at least 2000 mums, dads and caregivers.
He urged people who had no jobs to consider joining.
Kawakawa fire chief Wayne Martin said his brigade faced similar problems.
"We struggle to get even one crew during the day and can't guarantee we'll get a truck out. These are pretty desperate times," Mr Martin said. "People just aren't into volunteering as much these days, and employers don't want to release staff because they say it's too big a cost."
The Kaikohe Fire Brigade has 22 members, but many are not available during the day. That leaves a core of just five firefighters during the day, including the chief. A minimum of 10 is needed to staff two fire trucks. If you are interested in joining the Kaikohe brigade call Mr Hutchinson on 0274 379 947 or drop into the station on Monday nights from 7pm.