Fire service to monitor civil defence emergencies

WELLINGTON - The Fire Service will provide around the clock monitoring service for civil defence emergencies, Civil Defence Minister Rick Barker says.

Mr Barker said the Fire Service had agreed to take on the role, which is currently managed by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

The Fire Service's Northern Region Communication Centre would provide a 24-hour seven-day a week monitoring service and in predetermined situations would issue national warnings and advisories.

That would mean faster warnings for affected communities.

"In the event of a civil defence emergency, the government's response needs to be as prompt and effective as possible and the 24/7 system is about achieving that."

Mr Barker said the new arrangement would free more ministry staff up to actually respond to an emergency.

- NZPA