Winton's volunteer fire brigade remains out of action after 31 of their 34 firefighters were identified as close contacts at the weekend, and told to isolate and get a COVID-19 test.

Fire and Emergency Southland District Manager Julian Tohiariki said "Only the original person [has tested positive for COVID-19] at this stage."

"From the middle of Monday we have been progressively getting results back from PCR testing. The test results received so far have been negative. We are currently awaiting further results before we formulate a brigade response plan – most likely on Tuesday," he said.

In the meantime neighbouring volunteer brigades including Browns, Dipton, Wallacetown and career firefighters from Invercargill are providing support until Winton’s fire trucks are back in service.

"We always have backup plans for all brigades, that is bringing in neighbouring brigades on pre-determined plans already in place," Tohiariki said.

However Tohiariki admits geographically isolated brigades present greater challenges.

"Te Anau, Milford and Oban do pose issues for response with their isolation. We look at contingencies if neighbouring brigades cannot respond. For example, during Omicron, this could involve task force teams strategically placed across the district where resources permit," he said. 

Some rural brigades have already adapted in order to mitigate the impact of operating in a COVID environment.

Mossburn's chief fire officer Lance Hellewell said his brigade had, two weeks ago, split into three [teams] in order to minimise contact with each other.

They have reduced the manning on their fire truck and tanker, and all firefighters would now be wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks, he said.