Services

In 1945 the Second world war ended and the soldiers returned ready to adapt to a better civilian life. South Waikato was ready to develop - the people knew how to improve the farms, to clear scrub areas and there maturing pine forests. Plans were afoot to develop sawmills - perhaps even a pulp and paper mill. Tokoroa was poised for growth.
The summer of 1945 - 46 was glorious. Long, hot, dry days made the finest summer here for years. In February 1946 fires shattered the area. Firstly the Tokoroa War Memorial Hall that had been built in 1919 was destroyed by fire. It was the centre of the small community being used for a variety of activities including dances and the Combined Church Services. A local 'lass' bemoaned the loss of dances; the closet was at Lichfield.

Shortly afterwards, a cigarette butt thrown from a vehicle in the Waireki Oruanui area landed in parched dry scrub and fire took hold. The blaze spread rapidly towards the Waikato river fanned by a gusting wind. Firefighters from Auckland and Wellington and Army and Navy personnel converged on the area as both Atiamuri and Taupo were threatened. Flames leapt to great heights, sparks and embers increasing the danger.

Atiamuri was evacuated, but a change of wind direction had saved Taupo. By the 12th February smoke was affecting navigation in the Cook Strait, and there were flare ups in the Kaingaroa forest.
It took until the 16th February to be sufficiently under control for the hundreds of volunteer men to be sent home. These men had come from their homes in the surrounding areas.

This event was the first National Fire emergancy. The UFBA criticised the poor organisation and equipment; a large number of men fighting the fire had been armed with only sacks for beating or shovels for dousing with dirt. 20,000 acres of forest had been ruined and large areas of scrub burnt.

The Tokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed in early 1947 following a meeting held in Mr. R Walsh's garage in Logan Street, when ten residents urged its establishment for the protection of the town. With the support of the late Mr. Girling - Butcher , an approach was made to the Government and a trailer pump was secured. As no towing vehicle was available at the time an old Hudson car belonging to Mr. Walsh was used for this purpose.

As time passed some members moved to other districts and the brigade was reorganised again in 1948 with the assistance of N.Z. Forest Products Ltd., a quad vehicle being made available by the gorvernment for towing the trailer pump. The Tokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade was begun............