New rules put lives in danger, say firefighters

Firefighters are concerned that new Fire Service directives could cost lives. Photo / Tracey Grant

The Fire Service is standing by its decision to cut back on the number of appliances it sends to buildings with sprinkler systems despite fierce criticism from the firefighters' union.

The new rule, which came into effect at the end of last month, was "flawed" and endangered lives, New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union vice-president Peter Hallett said today.

However, Fire Service assistant national commander Bill Butzbach said that in almost all cases, the call-outs were false alarms.

The decision was made to send two pumps and eight firefighters to investigate the first alarm, reflecting "the low level of risk" and ensuring more resources were available to respond to genuine emergencies which could happen while firefighters were attending a false alarm, he said.

"On the rare occasion when there is a fire in a building with sprinklers, the sprinklers will extinguish it or control it until we arrive."

Officers on appliances were empowered to request additional resources if they were needed, Mr Butzbach said.

Risk assessments on buildings with sprinklers had been carried out by senior officers, but were "open to continual review".

"The Fire Service takes its role in protecting and assisting the public very seriously and its operational decisions are based on sound, evidence-based practice and procedures."

Mr Hallett accused management of intimidating firefighters by threatening them with disciplinary action if they responded with more fire appliances than allowed for under the new rules.

Mr Butzbach said a few staff were continuing to defy the rules and "like any employer we follow standard management procedures if an employee refuses to carry out their duties".

"As part of this, it is quite proper to ask for an explanation when lawful instructions are not followed and point out the policies and procedures that the employee is bound by."

The union urged management to withdraw the policy until all the affected properties had been assessed and the appropriate level of response consulted on and agreed to by firefighters.

- NZPA