The new fire service area manager for Whanganui is expected to be named by the end of the month.
Interviews are underway for the role vacated by Bernie Rush who left in August to fill in as Taranaki area commander for three months.
He will retire at the end of the year.
Fire Service region manager Brendan Nally said he expected Mr Rush's replacement to be announced next week and the new area manager will take up the job on November 28.
Gary Ward is acting area manager.