South Australia’s Country Fire Service and Metropolitan Fire Service brigades are joining forces on northern Yorke Peninsula.
After a fire at Moonta Mines on Saturday, November 11, prompted some community confusion about local CFS and MFS jurisdictions (in Moonta and Kadina), the services announced they would adjust their response areas when needed to protect the community.
A statement released on behalf of the MFS and CFS said they will collaborate to implement a joint response framework in line with changing community demand.
“The local community can be assured both services support each other on a range of emergency incidents to safeguard the community and ensure the most appropriate resources are sent to local incidents,” the statement said.
“For rural incidents, such as the recent grass fire at Moonta Mines, a CFS 4WD truck is required to travel across paddocks and rough terrain.
“When alerted to the grass fire, CFS Kadina was dispatched and on their way within minutes.
“Moonta MFS 2WD Urban Pumper was dispatched to support house protection.
“MFS and CFS monitor urbanization across SA and adjust response areas as needed to best protect South Australian communities.” In the meantime, the MFS and CFS will continue to work in close partnership with one another and call for extra resources as needed.
“Both the CFS and MFS are always looking for new members from within the local community and anyone interested is strongly encouraged to contact their local brigade,” the statement said.
“We have roles for people with all levels of availability.” Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis said it is good to see agencies responding to community concern quickly and amicably.
“Hopefully this slightly changed system will result in better response times and, importantly, a safer community,” Mr Ellis said.
“I’ve written to the Minister for Emergency Services congratulating the MFS and CFS on their cohesion and also asking whether there are any other areas that would benefit from a dual response zone.” Moonta Bay resident Wendy Smith initiated the conversation, which quickly gained traction on social media, about the wait times regarding emergency situations because of the allocated zones.
“I thought it was unacceptable the Moonta MFS weren’t called to respond first (to the November 11 fire, being the closest emergency service) and had to wait for the Kadina CFS,” she said.
“Knowing how fast fires can move on catastrophic summer days, I don’t want to be waiting for a fire truck from half an hour away when the Moonta MFS could be there in five minutes.
“It was really concerning — I bet most Moonta and Port Hughes locals had no idea their homes and lives could be at risk if a fire truck has to come from Kadina before Moonta is dispatched.” Mrs Smith said she hoped in the future both services can be sent out together for the best outcome for the community.
“We have amazing volunteeers who just want to help,” she said.
“A new system and more people stepping up would make our town less vulnerable.”
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 5 December 2023.
