SA Firefighter

General Discussion => SAMFS => Topic started by: Darren on September 28, 2010, 05:07:54 PM

Title: Burra station closing down
Post by: Darren on September 28, 2010, 05:07:54 PM
I guess it has to happen some day, but Burra station has now closed for good, they have a long history but sadly have become unviable.

I understand the 3 staff that were left are transfering to the CFS, so at least they can still serve the community.

Well done on the service you have given Burra.

Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: standpipe on September 28, 2010, 05:15:20 PM
Good on ya guys, sad day I guess. Hope you have a couple of beers to celebrate the change and toast the good times past.   
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: rescue5271 on September 28, 2010, 05:19:59 PM
I guess this will be the start of a few more stations that will close..Well done for the members who have given their time and will do so in the CFS...
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Bagyassfirey on September 28, 2010, 06:09:45 PM
i agree in this time of cost cuttings and trying to save some money here and there i think some reviews should be done on viability of both MFS and CFS right across the state!
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: tft on September 28, 2010, 06:29:04 PM
only about 20 years too late..........
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Alex on September 30, 2010, 08:05:35 AM
Does anyone know why they struggled so much to recruit when CFS seem fine on numbers?
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: 561 on September 30, 2010, 01:06:11 PM
There are many reasons behind the recruiting issues - but generally the requirements and commitment was too much for many people who did show interest which was unfortunate. I've enjoyed my years with SAMFS and dont regret a minute of it. I also look forward to many years with the Burra CFS!
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Alex on September 30, 2010, 02:22:11 PM
It is a shame mate. Good luck on the white trucks.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: 561 on September 30, 2010, 03:19:39 PM
Cheers - looking forward to it! :-D
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Darren on September 30, 2010, 06:13:20 PM
Thanks again for your service.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: misterteddy on September 30, 2010, 09:15:39 PM
is anyone else struggling with the link between the UK fire services and Burra?....this is Burra....middleofbumfukknowhere Australia right???

 :?
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Darren on September 30, 2010, 09:34:30 PM
Comment removed coz I can't be bothered
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Rainer on September 30, 2010, 09:45:04 PM
does that mean that CFS have now go a heap more area in Burra? I guess so then this marks the most significant area change since Seaford and TTG/golden grove..

I wonder if they will now trade some area around adelaide/Mt Barker Hmmm...

Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: 561 on October 01, 2010, 08:22:37 AM
Rainer  - CFS have gained the gazetted town area of Burra

Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: misterteddy on October 01, 2010, 09:39:16 AM
standby for the next one to close...... :wink:
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: 561 on October 01, 2010, 09:53:28 AM
Probably 3 more actually.........
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Alex on October 01, 2010, 10:10:50 AM
Considering Burra were not the only instance of multiple fire services in one town, i wouldn't be suprised.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: rescue5271 on October 02, 2010, 07:47:38 PM
We should run a book on this,I think Kadina,Kapunda,Wallaroo,,In some area's just repaint the MFS pumpers white.....
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: safireservice on October 02, 2010, 09:46:57 PM
We should run a book on this,I think Kadina,Kapunda,Wallaroo,,In some area's just repaint the MFS pumpers white.....
Nah, possibly Kapunda, Peterborough and Moonta.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Pipster on October 02, 2010, 09:56:22 PM
Perhaps the places where a CFS brigade already exists....Peterborough, Kadina, Tanunda, Kapunda ??

Pip
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Bagyassfirey on October 02, 2010, 10:04:48 PM
If peterborough shut that would leave a big stretch of barrier hwy with no RCR nearest being probably Orroroo or Yunta
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Darren on October 03, 2010, 11:44:43 AM
As quite as Peterborough is it would require a lot of work to replace them.

Same with Moonta and Wallaroo, new stations, new trucks, is it worth the hassle for stations that work. Kadina, hmmmm thats a hard one, are the CFS willing to replace a heavy pumper? Same as Tanunda? Can't be seen to have a reduction in fire cover. We also know, the deal has to go the other way, an exchange of areas would need to take place.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Pipster on October 03, 2010, 05:27:25 PM
The Peterboroughh CFS guys have been doing BA training (even tho they don't have BA - they use Yongala's) in preparation for Peterborough to be possibly closed at some time in the future....

But as Darren mentioned, it is not a simple process of "let's close them down".

Aside from the issues Darren mentioned re suitable equipment, training & appliances, by closing a country MFS station down, you are removing people's jobs (even tho they are part time) - and industrially, it may not be a simple process.  (It is difficult to offer them equivalent work in a nearby town.....!! )

Pip
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Darren on October 03, 2010, 10:33:00 PM
Also Burra closing had nothing to do with the report we all read and saving resources, it was simply under staffed and all avenues (Well all current avenues) were exhausted, so after MANY years it was finally closed. The others will be slightly more political, anyone remember the last time they tried to contemplate closing Tanunda ? :-D
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: 561 on October 04, 2010, 06:55:28 AM
Correct Darren - but - my bet is we would have been on the chopping block anyway based on current information. Fortunately we have had a great working relationship with the local CFS for some time so the decision was made to actually retire from SAMFS and swap teams - so really we made the decision for them as SAMFS then had a station without a crew.

It was a tough decision to make - after it being such a part of your life for 15 years - but as you said with current avenues for recruitment exhausted and all local services struggling at times to get recruits from an ever decreasing and aging pool we made the decision together to do what we did.

Congrats to the local CFS brigade for making our transition as smooth as it has been - they have gone out of their way to welcome us to our new "family".

Closure of other stations may not go so easily..........
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: rescue5271 on October 04, 2010, 09:13:19 AM
561..Great to read that the local CFS guys and girls have helped with the transition from MFS to CFS...We in the country have been saying for a long time that there needs to be some cost cuttings to support the local services....
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Darren on October 04, 2010, 11:31:32 AM
Also these small towns such as Burra only have a small pool of people to chose from, and when your trying to staff CFS,MFS and CFS its just not going to work. I remember when SAFECOM first started Vince tagged Burra as a trial SAFECOM station, with a pumper, rescue truck and 34....good to see that got off the ground.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Rainer on October 08, 2010, 06:35:11 PM
We should run a book on this,I think Kadina,Kapunda,Wallaroo,,In some area's just repaint the MFS pumpers white.....
Nah, possibly Kapunda, Peterborough and Moonta.

Youd want to be carefull because there are some areas around the state where the CFS trucks might get painted red...the sword can cut both ways.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: bajdas on October 08, 2010, 08:27:53 PM
Change is happening & I personally believe it will affect volunteers...it has already....look at Seaford. As long as the purpose does not change of supporting the community, I will roll with the punches.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Alex on October 08, 2010, 08:58:21 PM
The more full time stations the merrier, as they will hands down provide a better service to the community since the can GUARANTEE a crew, which regardless of all the rostering systems in the world, no volunteer or even retained service can do.

But, in a time when they are trying to cut costs everywhere i cannot imagine MFS areas being extended anywhere in the near future, although there are several areas that should be looked at.

Hot rumor i heard was the closure of one CFS stations deep in MFS area... that oughta get a bite!
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: rescue5271 on October 09, 2010, 08:50:22 AM
What are the closing your brigade down Alex.....
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Alex on October 09, 2010, 09:38:57 AM
What are the closing your brigade down Alex.....

Nah not mine mate, im in a more country brigade these days.

If they were going to pay 4 guys to sit around waiting/protecting my community though i would welcome it.

Just stirring the pot with a rumor that may have been only that, i heard the other day.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: boredmatrix on October 09, 2010, 11:02:29 PM
oh come now Alex- Salisbury is a country area.....


 :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: rescue5271 on October 10, 2010, 08:12:29 PM
Alex, I would not call Blackwood country......
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: Alex on October 10, 2010, 08:18:13 PM
Alex, I would not call Blackwood country......

Neither would i.
Never been a member of Blackwood.

Edit; but enough about me.
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: schs on October 13, 2010, 04:33:04 PM
Burra 1992

Some more pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pobox448/sets/72157625029349991/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pobox448/sets/72157625029349991/)
Title: Re: Burra station closing down
Post by: 561 on October 14, 2010, 04:12:01 PM
Gotta love the old Acco!
Petrol V8, Allison auto gearbox with the VW powered Godiva pump on the back - we still had that truck (sorry - "appliance") when I joined in 96!!