Firefighter shortage places lives at risk

28 Oct, 2011

“At the moment, the fire brigade are cutting costs and they’re not funding the full service in town,” he said.

A FRNSW spokesman said there were sufficient resources to respond to all emergencies in the central west.

“If retained firefighters are unavailable to provide back-up to the permanent crew due to work or other commitments, then the retained crew is taken off-line, sometimes for as little as 20 minutes, until the required resources are located,” he said.

He said more retained firefighters were being recruited for Orange, the positions had been advertised and all would be filled in coming months.

He said those interested in becoming a retained firefighter in Orange should contact the FRNSW Zone Office on 6331 6372.