The Auckland Local does not support the removal of aerial appliance response from predetermined attendance.

Officers familiar with aerial operations on the fire ground will confirm that initial attendance provides the greatest efficiency and thereby offers the greatest protection to the public and our members.

Accordingly, members are urged to exercise their right to “make up” and request aerials on receipt of all calls with a perceived or real risk, actions that merely reflect the need already identified by the PDA.

This advice applies to all and any calls where Officers feel there is a need for specialist appliances.

The Union has a copy of the Aerial Appliance Management Plan 12 September 2006 in which aerial turnouts are slashed to “reduce maintenance costs” and preserve an aging aerial fleet, excluding the Type 4’s which are out of service more than in already. A detailed note about this plan and the Union’s position will be out shortly.