SINGLETON’S Fire and Rescue Station is being earmarked for an upgrade or relocation in the near future according to new zone commander of the region superintendent Murray West.
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The commander is also considering introducing paid employees at the station to improve the efficiency and save the costs of bringing in fire fighters when the station is short staffed.
In the last year 2012/2013 Singleton Fire and Rescue attended 109 fires, 24 rescues and 15 hazmat jobs but were called out to 224 automatic alarms and other incidents, making a total of 372 responses.
“Singleton is one of busiest stations in the region and is No.3 for high costs so we’re considering having part time staff to cover one period of the day whether that be day shift or night shift and the retained fire fighters can fill in the gaps,” Supt. West said.
“If we can’t get a brand new station we will do construction out the back of the existing station.”
The commanders recognised the introduction of part time fire fighters would increase levees for council and that would be considered before making a decision.
A new station would have to be 600 square metres and in a central position in town.
The commanders said that the Fire and Rescue would be happy to occupy the same building or area as other emergency services and it is common practice in other towns in their region.
Supt. West and the former commander of the Regional West Zone 2 area Neil Harris addressed Singleton Council at this week’s meeting to speak about what the importance of the service and future cooperation with the council.
