Munster Express Online

The fire service in Co Waterford generally does not respond to flooding incidents, oil spills or trees down on roads unless there was a risk of personal injury, Captain Michael Hession, Chief Fire Officer told the members of Waterford Co Council at their monthly meeting in Dungarvan.

Unveiling the service’s Draft Fire and Emergency Operations Plan, he explained that, when alerted to flooding incidents, the senior fire officer on duty decides on the response of the fire service. In general, and as far as possible, the Council Engineering Service responds to a flooding situation. Fire Brigade assistance is generally provided when requested by the Council to minimise the effects of flooding.

Capt Hession said the new Ancillary Safety Statement for Waterford County Fire and Rescue Service and the National Incident Command System were operating satisfactorily in the county. Replacement sub-officers have been appointed in Lismore and Kilmacthomas, and interviews have taken place to fill vacancies in Ardmore and Tallow.

The volume of calls on the service in 2009 was 8 per cent lower than in the previous year.