12. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Internal Affairs
What reports has he received on the progress of urban search and rescue and firefighter teams working in Christchurch following the 22 February earthquake?
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs) Link to this
I have received daily reports and updates since the earthquake. The New Zealand Fire Service attended 3,919 incidents between 22 February and 7 March. This figure includes 155 rescues and just under 2,000 property-related incidents. Currently five urban search and rescue task forces are deployed from New Zealand and overseas, which include 295 highly trained personnel. More than 500 buildings have now been cleared and the focus is moving from large buildings in the centre to smaller structures further out.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi Link to this
Has the Minister received any report about an increased number of volunteers wanting to join the Fire Service since the Christchurch earthquake?
Yes, I have received some very positive reports of New Zealanders wanting to help out by becoming firefighters. I am told that the number of website inquiries to the Fire Service has tripled since the earthquake, and that applications have increased from an average of five a day to more than 15 a day since the earthquake. This is very encouraging news because the Fire Service relies heavily on both volunteer and professional firefighters to help New Zealanders in times of need.