Living in New Zealand: Emergency Services are Largely Voluntary

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In 1870 fire destroyed Lyttleton's main street. It started in the Queen’s Hotel (which later became London Street restaurant, which had to be demolished after the earthquake, as happened to many of the historic timber buildings that had been rebuilt in brick to resist fire). Residents had to demolish buildings to stop the fire spreading as there was no firefighting service in the isolated town. There is now, and a siren sounds to call the volunteers when they are needed. I really don't like that sound.

The Order of St John (or St John's) is the ambulance service for most of New Zealand. It is voluntary, in the way that having an emergency health event isn't.

Living in New Zealand: Fire Danger Signs and Warning Wheels

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Fire danger signs are commonly seen around New Zealand, particularly in rural areas.

They have been around for so long they have passed into popular culture and/or and have been adapted for other uses.

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We saw this checking in for the Interislander ferry (I did pay attention to this - I get sea sick easily!)

Unfortunately this means that they probably don't have the impact they once had. We were away when the Port Hills fire happened in 2017, but the images we saw (the following are from the Christchurch City Council website) were horrifying. We are having another hot, dry summer and it is worrying to look around the Port Hills and see so much tinder. Though I am sure any response would be managed better this time around.