Towns at risk as 2000 volunteer fire crews quit
Towns at risk as 2000 volunteer fire crews quit
5 December 2009
published by www.news.com.au
Australia — More than 2000 volunteer firefighters across WA have quit in the past year, sparking fears that towns won’t be adequately protected this summer.
As WA prepares for its worst bushfire season in 10 years, The Sunday Times can reveal that the turnover rate for the state’s volunteer firefighter service is 7 per cent.
In the past year, 2285 volunteer firefighters resigned.
Experts have predicted a horrific bushfire season this summer because heavy winter rains have increasing grassland. El Nino conditions also mean an increase in lightning strikes.
Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson yesterday urged West Australians to
become volunteers.
Mr Johnson said he was looking at a range of incentives to increase the number of volunteers, including lobbying the Federal Government to introduce tax sweeteners.
“The (Fire and Emergency Services Authority) have lobbied for the Commonwealth Government to consider tax- rebate incentives for volunteers and I support that,” Mr Johnson said.
Mr Johnson will also look at expanding a FESA initiative that rewards employers who give staff time off to volunteer.
Opposition emergency services spokeswoman Margaret Quirk said volunteer shortfalls were leaving regional towns such as Collie and Newman vulnerable.
Mr Johnson said though volunteer numbers were down, it wouldn’t affect bushfire preparedness.
“We have an incredible volunteer force in WA of about 30,000 men and women of all ages who give up their time to put something back into the community,” Mr Johnson said.
“I personally think it’s a great shame that as a society we seem to be becoming more focused on the individual’s wants rather than the community’s needs.
Starting from tomorrow, West Australians can register to receive emergency warnings on mobile phones or as emails during emergencies such as bushfires.
“(State Alert) is a free service and all home phones, including silent numbers and mobiles will automatically be registered to receive a StateAlert message,” Mr Johnson said.
People can register online at www.statealert.wa.gov.au or call 1300 ALERTS.
Early start for cadet
RIKKY Mills became a volunteer firefighter when he was 13.
The Baldivis bushfire fighter, 19, has urged other West Australians to volunteer their time to help.
“After you spend six hours at a job fighting a fire to stop it going through someone’s back yard and taking down their house, you feel pretty great,” he said.
“It’s the most rewarding thing that I do.”
Children as young as 13 can register to become volunteer emergency service cadets.
At the age of 16, they can become official volunteer firefighters.
The recruitment hotline is 1800628141.
