Oxford’s fire siren will be reinstated after 10.00pm.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon organised a meeting on Friday with Fire and Emergency New Zealand Area Commander Dave Berry, Oxford Fire Brigade Chief Trevor Ealam and Deputy Brian Thompson along with local Councillor Wendy Doody to discuss Oxford’s fire siren.

Options including the use of pagers and other electronic measures and the siren remaining operational after 10.00pm were discussed.

The strong views of the Oxford Community calling for the siren to be reinstated after 10.00pm was evidenced with a petition of a significant number of signatures.

It was also the wishes of the local Oxford Fire Brigade that the siren remain operational.

The decision reached on Friday was that Oxford’s fire siren will be reinstated after 10.00pm.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon welcomed the decision of Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

“I am appreciative that FENZ have listened to the Oxford Community and have agreed to reinstate the Oxford fire siren.”

“Also encouraging has been the strong demonstration of support by the community for the Oxford Volunteer Fire Brigade. We are fortunate to have a strong volunteer Fire Brigade in Oxford keeping our community safe and protected.”

“It is very positive to see such strong public support for the local Oxford Fire Brigade.”

“Trevor and his team are extraordinary people, doing an extraordinary job for our community. I want to place on record my thanks for their dedication and service.”

“The same can be said for all our other volunteer brigades in Waimakariri District. Our District is tremendously grateful for their service.”

“We appreciate the support of FENZ given to all of our local Brigades. We also acknowledge the commitment of the new Fire Station for Kaiapoi, recent news of new fire tanker appliances for Oxford and Cust and other operational support which greatly underlies the work of our local brigades.”