Lisa Harper: Rural fire safety to the fore

Just about all farmers have 'war stories' involving fires on their or their neighbours' farms.

In the back country, everyone knows everyone - and they joke they're probably related as well. In emergencies, this connectedness can be a lifesaver.

Every rural resident can remember a time when local knowledge counted or neighbours came through for each other.

In my case, memories of this kind revolve around the rural fire brigade.

If it's an hour or more to the nearest 'town' fire truck, you have to be self-sufficient. So portable water pumps and associated gear are often stashed at regular intervals (the local pub is always a handy spot).

Neighbours meet regularly to hone their firefighting skills, with the national championships an annual fixture.

Daffodil yellow overalls, helmet and thick fire boots are in the back of the ute ready to go. All are volunteers, often with decades of experience. It's no small commitment; if the phone rings day or night, they run.

Each will have stories of bushfires so large they create their own wind and throw burning branches or the time the local helicopter pilot got them out of a tight spot.

These war stories somehow bind the groups tight - and are useful training aids for newcomers.

Federated Farmers also has a long history of engagement with the fire services. We have members on the frontline and on rural fire committees. We're also regular submitters to government reviews of the service; our team is busy with a couple of submissions now.

We stress the importance of putting the volunteers at the heart of the service, and acknowledging the difference between rural and urban fire.

Farmers need controlled fire for effective land management, something unique to rural areas. Firefighters' equipment and training also differs. For example, toxic smoke from a suburban house fire requires breathing apparatus, while monsoon buckets and specialist hoses are rural necessities.

Enabling local decision-making is also important, as people familiar with the terrain know its risks best.

In firefighting, we know local knowledge and working together are critical. By passing those messages on to government, we hope to make the job of rural firefighters that bit easier.

The Fire and Emergency New Zealand Bill 2016 has now entered select committee stage.

- Dr Lisa Harper is Federated Farmers regional policy adviser