Temperatures, tempers rise but Mortdale fire station stays closed

It was a day of total fire ban, the thermometer getting close to 40 degrees, with fires in the Blue Mountains and a house fire at Hurstville but Mortdale fire station was closed for business.

A source close to the station said that because of constant staff shortages, there were not enough firefighters available to work today, so the station was closed and the truck unavailable.

He said the retained station which depended on volunteers needed 20 staff to operate full time but was down to 12 and no new recruitment in sight.

And with most maintaining full time jobs outside fire fighting, being on leave or having family commitments, it was difficult to get the four people needed to get the truck on the road.

While trucks with full-time crews from Hurstville and Riverwood were meant to respond to Mortdale, there was fear there would be no response if those crews were called away to the Blue Mountains.

Labor candidate for Oatley, O’Bray Smith, visited Mortdale fire station today to highlight its closure and the risk it posed to the community.

She said she had spoken to many residents who were outraged that the state Liberal government was putting families and property at risk by repeatedly closing Mortdale fire station.

‘‘With a significant fire risk declared across the state on Friday, Mortdale fire station is closed yet again — this presents a serious risk to the local community should a fire break out in these very hot conditions,’’ Ms Smith said.

‘‘The Liberals don’t seem to understand that the difference between a family losing their home or saving it from fire is how close the nearest firefighting team is located.

She said Oatley MP Mark Coure must take action and demand that Mike Baird reverse the  cuts to Mortdale fire station.

You can support Mortdale fire station by signing a petition at IGA Mortdale.

Should Mortdale fire station be fully staffed?