Fire boundary means service doubles

The Rural Fire Service has dismissed claims that negotiations with NSW Fire Brigades over the coverage of the new Kincumber fire station would detrimentally affect Killcare residents.

The Rural Fire Service's Inspector Ben Shepherd said that no suburbs will be put at risk by the decisions made and the community will benefit, rather than being put at risk.

"Regardless of whose area it falls under, the area is covered by a mutual aid agreement, stating that both agencies are to respond to a call.

"Both services respond at the time of call, it doesn't require an invitation from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

"The community actually benefits from both fire services turning up.

"Both fire services always put the safety of the community first and foremost," said Insp Shepherd.

He said the agreement would be established once final decisions on boundaries were confirmed.

"To ensure that the best level of service is received by the community, the mutual aid agreement is reviewed every three to five years by both services."

"The NSW RFS aims to keep local volunteer brigades viable as a community resource, especially in areas such as the Central Coast which is prone to bush fires," he said.

Kaitlin Watts, 6 Jan 2011 Interviewee:Insp Ben Shepherd