Fire response in hands of locals

Urunga NSW Fire and Rescue Station needs locals to safeguard and save lives in their community.

Brendan Ray

IF you're a short-staffed firefighter at an under-manned station, you'd appreciate the help on the hose as much as a local who loses everything to fire.

That's the tough predicament facing the township of Urunga and the local fire station, which is desperately calling for applicants to become retained firefighters.

Several recent employment drives to boost the ranks and the on-call roster haven't struck much luck.

NSW Fire and Rescue maintains, however, that the town will for the long-term be serviced by a fire station, it just means more man hours for the few dedicated paid staff.

Fire Inspector Tony Lenthall explained the positions available.

"We are not asking for someone who is on call 24/7, the roster allows for up to 12 to 15 retained staff to establish when they are on call, so ideally we are looking for Urunga residents who are available of a day-time to fulfil an uplifting role in a retained firefighter position.

"They get a retainer and get paid per call-out and the average firefighter's commitment is about one call every three weeks."

Each year Urunga crews respond to about 50 calls, yet one of the most recent ended up being the most pressing in decades.

"NSW Fire and Rescue crews were the first on scene at that horrific truck accident last month - it was a tough scene to attend," Inspector Lenthall said.

"I was there later in the morning, but it just highlights the need for more retained firefighters to join the ranks.

NSW Fire and Rescue is looking for eight firefighters to fulfill occasional daytime response.

Retained staff would respond to emergencies, fires and rescues with the assistance of local State Emergency Service volunteers.

"Responses, outside of fires and rescues, include hazardous material incidents and floods.

"NSW Fire and Rescue provides all the necessary training and retained staff get a retainer as well as pay per the call.

"Ideally we would like to pitch the positions to 'stay-at' home mums and dads who may have time on their hands during the day, but ideally it is a role suited to any individual who lives in close proximity to the station and who passes medical and police checks.

"Being a retained firefighter is a distinguished and important role in the community and anyone in Urunga considering the possibility should go to http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au."