Fire Officer Foresees More Stations In City

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30365, 14 February 1964, Page 13

Fire Officer Foresees More Stations In City

The time would come when city traffic would dictate that other fire stations be established within the four belts, said the Chief Fire Officer (Mr L. R. Osmond) last evening when the Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board discussed staffing.

In London brigades travelled only about three blocks from a station to a fire, because the density of traffic prevented their going much •further in the required time, he said. Discussion arose on a letter from the Fire Brigades Employees’ Union, which recalled that last May the board had asked the New Zealand Fire Service Council for a survey of the brigade’s requirements. Apparently there had been no further action, the letter said. That was not so. for a survey had been made and a letter had just been received from the council, said the chairman (Mr W. R. Campbell). There had been a policy designed to withdraw from the central city area a proportion of the married permanent staff, the council said. It had also been designed to ensure that whatever traffic conditions were, there would be at least some appliance at a fire in the minimum time. The buildup of sub-station strength enabled reductions to be made in headquarters

establishment, the council said. From its inquiries and from its chief officer’s examination, it was satisfied that there was no reason to doubt the brigade's ability to meet its obligations in accordance with the guidance given in the code of practices. “Guide Only”

Did boards adhere to the code? Mr J. H. Boyle .asked. The code was a guids only, Mr Osmond -said. There could be a theoretical case where 200 men were required; but he could come up with another theoretical case requiring 400. "If the code said you must have five men that is all there is to it; but it says it is desirable to have five men to attend a call in the brigade area,” Mr Osmond said. “In the Fire Board area we turn out two appliances.” Circumstances had to be considered, he continued. If someone telephoned about an oven fire it would be ridiculous to turn out two appliances when all it needed was two men.

Mr Campbell commented that when the road tunnel was opened the strength of the Woolston station would be built up. That had always been planned. The council had been asked for> a report, had made it, and was apparently satisfied, Mr Campbell said.