And I've witnessed SES members doing dangerous & stupid things with chainsaws, which put my CFS members in danger.....
When it comes to multiple jobs, it makes sense that the nearest & most appropriate service be responded. In my area, it makes sense for the local CFS to remove the tree across the road - as we have the right gear, the trained & experienced people, and members of the community don't have to wait for 45 minutes + to have someone attend and start removing an impassable obstacle from the main road!
On the other hand, if a house roof needs tarping, then often the nearest & most appropriate service may well be the 'local' SES, who carry the tarps etc to do the job - something we only carry limited numbers of.
Pip