CONCERNED AT LACK OF FIREFIGHTING MANPOWER

Taupo Times, Volume 20, Issue 7, 28 January 1971, Page 1

CONCERNED AT LACK OF FIREFIGHTING MANPOWER

The lack of manpower to fight fires during normal working hours, is still causing concern to Taupo Chief Fire Officer, Mr S. K. Christensen. In his quarterly report to last night's meeting of the Taupo Fire Authority, Mr Christensen said that while the brigade remained at full strength, the number of men available for day-time calls had not improved. Mr Christensen said the average numbers available during normal working hours was only five, and one of them was always left behind in the watchroom to attend

to radio and telephone calls. The situation had been the s.ame for about two years. The only immediate solution to the problem was to employ more men — another station keeper or permanerit officer would alleviate the shortage of manpower. At present there are two permanent station keepers employed, while Mr Christensen doubles as fire prevention and chief fire officer for the volunteer brigade. "We could manage in the meantime with two or three more men and, while we are grateful to the Fire Service Council. for what we already have, the growth of the town and surrounding protected area means we must keep pressing for more permanent staff," he said. A point of interest is that Kawerau a township with a population of 6000,, has a permanept brigade with four officers and 16 ordinary fire men. Approval for the permanent brigade was recently given by the Fire Service Council.