SA Firefighter

Toast: People can always get fit if the MFS is going to move in, it won't happen over night...

They only have to be fit for the entry period/ recruit course...after that they don't appear to keep it up!

Go figure.   Mets in their infinite wisdom responded one solitary CFS station to a going domestic?? and in the metro area as well. What the...

That particular street has been entered in the MFS database as a single brigade response, specifically so, (normally the MFS computer would recommend 2 callsigns but in this case it only recommends 1). Therefore the response is correct according to the local brigade response plans. Don't bag people/groups when you don't have the facts...

It was only when HVCFS called Mets back to default (insufficient crews, initially) that Mets reponded other brigades....

That's how the system is supposed to work.

or maybe they just saw the smoke and decided to send 431. 

After years of CFS doing the smoke-chasing...

There are some Vic CFA Brigades that easily do over 600 calls a year - fully volunteer. These Brigades meet their response criteria - to reach 90% of their calls within the alloted time frame in their response area. They (like Mt Barker) are forward thinking enough to roster their crews to ensure that they maintain adequate fire coverage. But, they also have a bigger vol base to call upon, and are better funded (that's still way cheaper than paying full time crews). The CFA vols will also be the first to put their hand up and ask for paid staff assistance when required, either on a business hours basis or full-time, as public safety is number 2 (after f/f safety, of course  ).
I don't believe that call rate or risk on their own should dictate the need for full time firefighters. If a Brigade is concerned that they might be "taken over" then perhaps they need to look at whether they are providing the best fire/rescue coverage, or, instead of bleating about it, become proactive and do something about improving their service levels. Mt Barker do a Stirling job..  keep up the good work!
IMO.

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