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A series of fires across the Hibiscus Coast and Rodney districts earlier this month highlighted the growing pressure Coast fire crews face as they juggle overlapping emergencies, ageing equipment and ongoing industrial action.
A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said crews responded to three separate fires within hours of each other on Friday, May 8, drawing appliances from across the North Shore, Auckland and Rodney to maintain emergency coverage.
The first incident occurred around 9am when Fire and Emergency crews were alerted to a barn fire in Waitoki.
Multiple crews from Silverdale, Birkenhead, Albany, Auckland City, Waitākere, Puhoi, Helensville, Ahuroa, East Coast Bays and Kaukapakapa responded to the blaze.
“The barn, which had been converted into a dwelling, was well ablaze but the fire did not spread to the neighbouring property,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
“Two occupants escaped unharmed.”
Due to the extent of the damage, investigators were unable to determine the exact cause, although it was believed to be accidental.
A few hours later, at 12.50pm, emergency services were called to a house fire at Tindalls Bay.
Crews from Silverdale, Manly, Kaukapakapa, Puhoi and West Harbour responded and found a fire in the home’s basement on arrival, FENZ said.
By 2.10pm, the fire had been extinguished and crews were dampening down hotspots.
While crews were still committed at Tindalls Bay, another call came through at 1.35pm for a dryer fire at a property in Red Beach.
With local appliances already tied up, a truck from Te Atatū was despatched to respond.
“On arrival, they found a smoking dryer which they removed from the property,” the FENZ spokesperson said.
Professional Firefighters Union national vice-president Martin Campbell said the incidents were just a typical day for firefighters and illustrates the stress they are under.
Campbell said career firefighters were still carrying out two one-hour strikes each week as industrial action continued, with no bargaining dates currently scheduled.
“The union is meeting with the FENZ chief executive this week to discuss the outcome of the Employment Relations Authority decision about FENZ’s failure to properly consult on their restructure proposal.”
Campbell also restated concerns about ageing frontline equipment, with Silverdale crews still operating a fire truck that is more than 25 years old.
