The Springwood area will be safer with a boost to the firefighting ranks at Springwood Fire Station.
The 18 on-call firefighters have been joined by 21 permanent firefighters, as part of a $1.5
million State Government-funded upgrade to the station.
With permanent firefighters stationed in Springwood, there will be a quicker response to emergencies, said Fire and Rescue Blue Mountains Duty Commander Inspector Josh Turner.
“Just having the extra weight of attack that we have out of there now is extraordinary.
“We can address issues a lot quicker than before,” he said.
The upgraded station was officially opened by Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Greg Mullins, and Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Greg Smith.
The upgrade includes an expanded engine bay, more equipment storage, extended staff areas and another fire truck.
“The station has undergone major renovations with a new, two-storey building extension at the rear with expanded staff accommodation including a training room, an office, fitness facilities and more,” Commissioner Mullins said.
Describing the area as one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, Commissioner Mullins said the 24/7 roster would be a significant boost for protection of Mountains residents.
Mr Smith described the areas affected by the October fires as like a “war zone”.
“The Blue Mountains is the jewel in the crown of NSW as a tourist spot, but it also has the other side — when it gets hot it’s risky,” he said.
Mr Smith said Member for Blue Mountains Roza Sage had been a “mother” or a “sister” to
the electorate in campaigning to ensure the Mountains had the resources needed after the fires.
“The hardworking firefighters here at Springwood now have a state-of-the-art facility and that will benefit the entire region,” Mrs Sage said.
