Key Takeaways
- Dunedin firefighters are concerned about their ability to respond to emergencies without their main ladder truck, which is currently out of service due to an oil leak.
- A 40-year-old ladder truck is being used as a replacement, but it is not fit for purpose and lacks the necessary capabilities to handle complex fires.
- Firefighters recently responded to a complex commercial fire without their main ladder truck and relied on luck to prevent a disaster.
- The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are engaged in bargaining talks for a collective employment agreement, which have been ongoing since July 2024.
- The NZPFU has begun nationwide industrial action, including a strike, to push for a resolution to the bargaining talks.
Introduction to the Situation
Dunedin firefighters are worried that their luck will soon run out after responding to a complex commercial fire without their main ladder truck. The fire, which occurred at the Silverstream Business Park in Dukes Rd North, was described as "complex" due to its size and location. The firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control, but not without relying on a significant amount of luck. The main ladder truck, which is the city’s "front-running aerial appliance," is currently out of service due to an oil leak, and a 40-year-old replacement truck is being used in its place. However, this older truck is not fit for purpose and lacks the necessary capabilities to handle complex fires.
The Replacement Truck’s Limitations
The 40-year-old ladder truck that is being used as a replacement is a significant concern for the firefighters. According to New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) Dunedin secretary and Senior Firefighter Mike Taylor, the truck is not capable of performing the same tasks as the main ladder truck. Specifically, it cannot be used to put water on a fire from a high angle, which is a critical capability in fighting complex blazes. Taylor noted that if the fire had gotten out of control, the firefighters would have been unable to effectively respond to it with the replacement truck. This limitation is a major concern for the firefighters, who are worried that they will not be able to respond effectively to emergencies without their main ladder truck.
The Recent Fire Response
The recent commercial fire at the Silverstream Business Park was a prime example of the challenges that firefighters face without their main ladder truck. The fire was complex due to its size and location, and the firefighters had to rely on luck to prevent a disaster. Taylor noted that the hard work of the firefighters, combined with a good helping of luck, was the only reason that the fire did not get out of control. The firefighters were able to respond quickly and effectively to the blaze, but the lack of a suitable ladder truck made the response more challenging than it needed to be. The incident highlights the importance of having the right equipment and resources available to respond to emergencies.
The Bargaining Talks and Industrial Action
The NZPFU and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) have been engaged in bargaining talks for a collective employment agreement since July 2024. However, the talks have been unsuccessful, and the NZPFU has begun nationwide industrial action, including a strike, to push for a resolution. FENZ has released a statement criticizing the NZPFU for gambling with public safety, citing an incident in Pakuranga where volunteers took 30 minutes to reach a significant commercial fire, whereas the nearest professional crew reached it four minutes after the strike ended. The NZPFU has argued that FENZ is not taking the bargaining talks seriously and is not willing to address the concerns of the firefighters. The industrial action is likely to continue until a resolution is reached, which could have significant implications for public safety.
The Impact on Public Safety
The ongoing dispute between the NZPFU and FENZ has significant implications for public safety. The lack of a suitable ladder truck in Dunedin, combined with the industrial action, means that the public may not have access to the same level of emergency services as they normally would. FENZ has urged the NZPFU to call off further strikes, citing the risk to public safety. However, the NZPFU has argued that the strikes are necessary to bring attention to the issues facing firefighters and to push for a resolution to the bargaining talks. The situation is complex and multifaceted, and it is unclear how it will be resolved. However, one thing is certain: the public deserves to have access to effective and reliable emergency services, and it is the responsibility of FENZ and the NZPFU to ensure that this happens.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the situation in Dunedin is a concern for firefighters and the public alike. The lack of a suitable ladder truck, combined with the industrial action, means that the public may not have access to the same level of emergency services as they normally would. The NZPFU and FENZ must work together to find a resolution to the bargaining talks and ensure that firefighters have the resources and equipment they need to respond to emergencies effectively. The public deserves to have access to effective and reliable emergency services, and it is the responsibility of FENZ and the NZPFU to ensure that this happens. The next steps will be crucial in determining the outcome of this situation, and it is essential that all parties involved work together to find a solution that prioritizes public safety.