Jeff McCulloch, the President of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union, said today "The Fire Service has decided to reduce the response to the highest risk buildings in Auckland CBD, from the present 4 pumps and 2 aerial ladders, to just 2 fire engines. The result of this will be a greatly delayed fire attack, should this be needed, and in the event of a sprinkler system operation, a considerably greater amount of water damage, resulting in increased financial loss for the premises concerned."

He said "It seems bizarre to us, that the fire service should classify a building as high risk and require that a sprinkler system be fitted, and then when it operates, we assume because of a fire, they reduce the response to that very building."

"One of the main things that occupiers should be aware of, is the greatly increased time they will spend out of their building should the fire alarm or sprinkler system operate, as at present the building is searched by up to 16 firefighters. After the reductions take place on the 17th of July, the number available to search will drop to 3, as we have to retain staff outside the building for safety reasons should anything go wrong, and our staff require rescuing" McCulloch said.

"We would urge building occupiers and owners to object to these reductions by phoning the Regional Manager, Brian Butt, or the National Commander Mike Hall, and expressing their disgust at these unnecessary cuts to the high standard of service which has been provided to Auckland businesses for the last 40 years, after all, they are paying for it through their insurance levies."

Members of the public can phone Brian Butt on (09) 302-5131 or (027) 440-0991 or Mike Hall on (04) 496-3640 or (021) 356-078.

Related Articles

VIEW ALL VIEW ALL

Election of Rotorua Local President

Due to the recent resignation of the Rotorua Local President, nominations are hereby called for this position in accordance with the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union.


Breaking News

Tamaki Makaurau Flooding, State of Local Civil Defence Emergency

Last nights unprecedented weather event caused widespread havoc across the region with Fire and Emergency career and volunteer crews, operational support and 111 emergency dispatchers working to exhaustion, with all available FENZ resources at times being mobilised to incidents right across the region.


Season’s Greetings and Office Hours

The Auckland Local wishes all members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The Auckland Office will be closed from the afternoon of Friday 23 December 2022, reopening on Monday 9 January 2023.