Interesting thought M. FIRE S.!
The struggle between paid - therefore the assuming (making donkey of you and me) that they should respond and deal with and volunteer who are appropriately trained!
Interesting to note - the recent industrial rescues, major building colapses/explosions etc in Adelaide have been undertaken by SES, with MFS on site to provide fire cover etc.
Redefining of roles and responsabilities is a sound thing and starts to address duplication of services - maybe this is the start of services focusing on their areas of expertise - not trying to be jacks of all trades and masters of none!