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Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging the public to take extra care as strike action by professional firefighters between noon and 1pm on Friday is expected to delay responses in affected areas.
Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said all 111 calls would still be answered during the strike, but response times could be longer because volunteer crews may need to travel from neighbouring areas.
“I want to reassure the public that all 111 calls will be received and responded to during the strike period.
“However, our response times will be delayed in impacted areas as volunteer crews will be responding from the next closest location. So, we are asking the public to remain extra careful.
“Our advice remains the same. If there is a fire, get out early, stay out, then call 111.”
Stiffler said that during the one-hour strikes, Fire and Emergency will prioritise emergencies and may not attend less serious incidents, such as private fire alarms where there is no sign of fire, small rubbish fires, traffic-management assistance, and animal rescues.
In addition, Fire and Emergency has established a process with Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance for responding to medical events in impacted areas.
“We remain focused on achieving a fair and sustainable settlement with the NZPFU so we can continue working to keep communities safe,” Stiffler said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls about 15 incidents during Wednesday’s strike action.
Of the 15 incidents, seven were in areas impacted by the strike.
The Fire and Emergency website said more than 11,000 volunteers would remain available to respond from almost 600 stations nationwide, using their usual fire trucks.
