New firefighting crew joins NW station

The addition of four firefighters and a new appliance will bolster the North West’s firefighting response capability.

A dedicated day crew is being trialled out of Devonport Fire Station from today, 29 May, for a period of six months.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the dedicated day crew will increase the number of career firefighters in the region, helping to support workplace wellbeing, and also providing greater response capability to the North West.

“Our firefighters do an incredible job to keep Tasmanians safe from fire and other emergencies, particularly on the North West Coast,” Minister Ellis said.

“Our North West firefighting capability includes two 24/7 crews (one in Devonport and one in Burnie), and many surrounding volunteer brigades, to keep the region safe. This additional dedicated day crew will further bolster this capability in our region.”

The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) will monitor the effectiveness of the day crew to inform future resourcing in the region.

“The Tasmania Fire Service considers the allocation of its firefighters and appliances according to its Resource to Risk Assessment, and this trial will assist in this process,” Minister Ellis said.

“I would like to acknowledge the Tasmania Fire Service, the United Firefighters Union and the State Fire Commission for their work to make this happen for our North West community.”

The Tasmanian Government is currently recruiting firefighters in the North West.

These firefighters will be in addition to the 46 firefighters recruited in 2021.