Burra station closing down

[Darren]

I guess it has to happen some day, but Burra station has now closed for good, they have a long history but sadly have become unviable.

I understand the 3 staff that were left are transfering to the CFS, so at least they can still serve the community.

Well done on the service you have given Burra.

[standpipe]

Good on ya guys, sad day I guess. Hope you have a couple of beers to celebrate the change and toast the good times past.   

[rescue5271]

I guess this will be the start of a few more stations that will close..Well done for the members who have given their time and will do so in the CFS...

[Bagyassfirey]

i agree in this time of cost cuttings and trying to save some money here and there i think some reviews should be done on viability of both MFS and CFS right across the state!

[tft]

only about 20 years too late..........

[Alex]

Does anyone know why they struggled so much to recruit when CFS seem fine on numbers?

[561]

There are many reasons behind the recruiting issues - but generally the requirements and commitment was too much for many people who did show interest which was unfortunate. I've enjoyed my years with SAMFS and dont regret a minute of it. I also look forward to many years with the Burra CFS!

[Alex]

It is a shame mate. Good luck on the white trucks.

[561]

Cheers - looking forward to it! :-D

[Darren]

Thanks again for your service.

[misterteddy]

is anyone else struggling with the link between the UK fire services and Burra?....this is Burra....middleofbumfukknowhere Australia right???

:?

[Darren]

Comment removed coz I can't be bothered

[Rainer]

does that mean that CFS have now go a heap more area in Burra? I guess so then this marks the most significant area change since Seaford and TTG/golden grove..

I wonder if they will now trade some area around adelaide/Mt Barker Hmmm...

[561]

Rainer  - CFS have gained the gazetted town area of Burra

[misterteddy]

standby for the next one to close...... :wink:

[561]

Probably 3 more actually.........

[Alex]

Considering Burra were not the only instance of multiple fire services in one town, i wouldn't be suprised.

[rescue5271]

We should run a book on this,I think Kadina,Kapunda,Wallaroo,,In some area's just repaint the MFS pumpers white.....

[safireservice]

We should run a book on this,I think Kadina,Kapunda,Wallaroo,,In some area's just repaint the MFS pumpers white.....

Nah, possibly Kapunda, Peterborough and Moonta.

[Pipster]

Perhaps the places where a CFS brigade already exists....Peterborough, Kadina, Tanunda, Kapunda ??

Pip

[Bagyassfirey]

If peterborough shut that would leave a big stretch of barrier hwy with no RCR nearest being probably Orroroo or Yunta

[Darren]

As quite as Peterborough is it would require a lot of work to replace them.

Same with Moonta and Wallaroo, new stations, new trucks, is it worth the hassle for stations that work. Kadina, hmmmm thats a hard one, are the CFS willing to replace a heavy pumper? Same as Tanunda? Can't be seen to have a reduction in fire cover. We also know, the deal has to go the other way, an exchange of areas would need to take place.

[Pipster]

The Peterboroughh CFS guys have been doing BA training (even tho they don't have BA - they use Yongala's) in preparation for Peterborough to be possibly closed at some time in the future....

But as Darren mentioned, it is not a simple process of "let's close them down".

Aside from the issues Darren mentioned re suitable equipment, training & appliances, by closing a country MFS station down, you are removing people's jobs (even tho they are part time) - and industrially, it may not be a simple process.  (It is difficult to offer them equivalent work in a nearby town.....!! )

Pip

[Darren]

Also Burra closing had nothing to do with the report we all read and saving resources, it was simply under staffed and all avenues (Well all current avenues) were exhausted, so after MANY years it was finally closed. The others will be slightly more political, anyone remember the last time they tried to contemplate closing Tanunda ? :-D

[561]

Correct Darren - but - my bet is we would have been on the chopping block anyway based on current information. Fortunately we have had a great working relationship with the local CFS for some time so the decision was made to actually retire from SAMFS and swap teams - so really we made the decision for them as SAMFS then had a station without a crew.

It was a tough decision to make - after it being such a part of your life for 15 years - but as you said with current avenues for recruitment exhausted and all local services struggling at times to get recruits from an ever decreasing and aging pool we made the decision together to do what we did.

Congrats to the local CFS brigade for making our transition as smooth as it has been - they have gone out of their way to welcome us to our new "family".

Closure of other stations may not go so easily..........