Until a fire brigade was established in Matawai, building fires usually resulted in complete destruction of the timber building, leaving a pile of twisted roofing iron and metal pipes. Bush fires in summer, where dry logs remained from clearing the bush, were sometimes responsible for threatening or burning buildings up until 1948.

In 1965 the Matawai Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed. Equipment included a small building in Raumati Street to house the brigades two trailers equipped with a motor and water pump, plus brigade members overalls and helmets. In May 1980 a new larger fire station was opened at Matawai. The larger building had housing for a fire truck and a 4-wheel drive ute, kitchen, meeting/recreation room, toilets. An additional building has since been built to house the ute. The brigade receives its basic resources and funding from Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ). The brigade responds to emergencies in the area from the top of Otoko Hill and into the middle of the Waioeka Gorge, plus all side roads between. As first responders they are usually first on the scene of motor vehicle accidents, fires, and medical emergencies; with paramedics arriving from Gisborne by road or helicopter.

Matawai Fire Station in 2020
Photo: Google Street View.

Newly opened Matawai Fire Station in 1980
Photo: Facebook.

First Matawai Fire Station in 1976
Photo: Peter Blackmore.

Matawai Fire Appliance, 1989 Hino FH222.
Photo: Kevin Holmes.

First Matawai Fire Appliance
Photo: Facebook.

Matawai Fire Support Vehicle,2016 Mazda BT-50.
Photo: Hamish Carmichael.