Fit extractors now: Minister

Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy has told the New Zealand Fire Service Commission to get extractor systems into all stations and to do it quickly.

Mr Guy said when he first heard about the standoff between the Fire Service and the firefighters' union, which has left fire engines parked out in the cold, he thought it was "bizarre".

The minister was yesterday on his first visit to Southland since becoming a member of Parliament, touring Gore and Balclutha with Clutha-Southland MP and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English.

He met volunteer firefighters in Balclutha and Rural Fire Authority members in Gore, as well as talking to justices of the peace and high school students.

Invercargill was one of 15 stations nationwide still waiting for extractor systems. Since Christmas the station's fire engines and other vehicles have had to be parked outside after the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union claimed the fumes from the vehicles were a health and safety risk.

It was "ridiculous" to have to pay to have the engines outside, particularly in an environment where firefighters could end up skating on ice, Mr Guy said.

He had asked the commission to get the extractor systems in place as soon as possible and had been assured all 15 stations would be fitted out within six months.

Also on his agenda was the accommodation rental issue, which caused concern among southern volunteer brigades last year. The accommodation policy was now in place and fair market rental would be charged to those living at volunteer brigades' fire stations, he said.

Mr Guy said he appreciated the work done by countless volunteer firefighters and the commitment of employers who allowed their employees to down tools to attend emergencies.

- © Fairfax NZ News