COUNTY FIRE SERVICE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 48, 1 March 1946, Page 5

COUNTY FIRE SERVICE

-..'A GOVERNMENT SUGGESTION EXTENDING TOWN PROTECTION The secretary of the N.Z. Counties Association forwarded a letter to the Whakatane County Council received from the Undersecretary for Internal Affairs (Mr J. W. Heenan) which contained a recommendation from the Dominion Fire Brigades annual report with regard to a proposal to extend the existing fire services in the Boroughs and towns so as to include adjoining rural areas.

It was proposed that all Fire Brigades which had pumping fire engines should provide a fire-protec-tion service in county areas within working distance of the town—(—estimated in normal circumstances to be about 10 miles. This service would be given to both industrial nnd dwelling property but would of course be effective only where a static water supply was available within a reasonable distance (say 1000 ft.) from the property.

Basis of Charging A basis it was claimed which would appear reasonable and which had been adopted by a number of fire boards was an annual charge up to £25 in the case of large buildings such as freezing works, and up to £5 for industries such as dairy factories. The retainer would cover inspection of the premises by the brigade officers, advice on fire protection matters, recommendations as to procedure when a fire occurs, and' an annual practice at the premises by a fire brigade crew. It was in connection with the payment of costs for turnout to fires in county residential property that the assistance of the County Council was desired. No retainer would normally be necessary for this class of property and a fee of, say, £1 to •cover the brigade officers’ travelling costs should be sufficient when an inspection was desired. Most calls would be to premises which had not been inspected and the question as to whether or not the brigade should attend must be left to the superintendent’s discretion. Time was the essence of the contract and .some general provision was neces.sary to avoid arguments as to pay;ment when the call was received.

A County Responsibility The suggestion had been made by a number of Fire Boards that County Councils should be responsible for costs of all fire brigade attendances to property in counties which was not protected under contract. The brigade superintendent, before ordering attendance at a fire, would satisfy himself that there was a reasonable chance of doing effective work. Where it was found on arrival that this cjpuld not be done, the cost of the turnout would be absorbed by the brigade controlling authority. Where, however, the service was effective, the costs would be charged to the County Council. The legislation would provide that the Council could either pay these -costs out of ordinary revenue or, alternatively, collect from the own--er of the property under the authority of the legislation. In the event of County Councils not concurring, it would be appreciated if they would offer any alternative suggestions as to the method of collection of turnout costs.

Councillors Viewpoints Councillors spoke strongly in favour of the scheme but expressed a Tear that if fully endorsed might lead to the creation of an expensive fire service which would scarcely •ever be required for rural purposes. Cr Butler observed that unless the local telephone exchange improved considerably on its present service fires in the county would become total losses before the brigade was

contacted. Cr Hunter mentioned the fire service rendered by the Volunteer Brigade at the Edgecumbe Dairy Factory. He would prefer to help the volunteer brigades by financial donation rather than by setting up a permanent fire service in the town with all their attendant expenses.

Water Supply Problem

The question of an adequate water supply was also mentioned by several speakers. Cr Butler thought the service to White Pine Bush settlers would be most acceptable in view of the accessability of the Poroporo stream to most homes. The Council recorded its view that while it warmly supported the scheme, it suggested that proposed legislation be permissive rather than arbitrary as recommended by the Minister.