There are some Vic CFA Brigades that easily do over 600 calls a year - fully volunteer. These Brigades meet their response criteria - to reach 90% of their calls within the alloted time frame in their response area. They (like Mt Barker) are forward thinking enough to roster their crews to ensure that they maintain adequate fire coverage. But, they also have a bigger vol base to call upon, and are better funded (that's still
way cheaper than paying full time crews). The CFA vols will also be the first to put their hand up and ask for paid staff assistance when required, either on a business hours basis or full-time, as public safety is number 2 (after f/f safety, of course
).
I don't believe that call rate or risk on their own should dictate the need for full time firefighters. If a Brigade is concerned that they might be "taken over" then perhaps they need to look at whether they are providing the best fire/rescue coverage, or, instead of bleating about it, become proactive and do something about improving their service levels. Mt Barker do a Stirling job..
keep up the good work!
IMO.