The National Fire Authority (NFA) has confirmed that Fiji is facing a shortage of firefighters across the country.
Speaking during an interview yesterday, NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the Western Division was the worst affected area.
He added that several stations were struggling with staffing shortages as demand for emergency response services continues.
“The various stations in Fiji are still facing a shortage of firefighters,” he said.
There is a big shortage of firefighters around the country, particularly in the Western Division.”
Mr Sowane noted that the shortage was also affecting the Northern and Central divisions.
To help address the issue, the 28 new firefighters who graduated yesterday will be deployed to different parts of the country, mainly in areas where shortages were most severe.
“These 28 firefighters will be spread around the country, particularly in the areas of shortage in the Western Division.
Mr Sowane said the deployment of the new recruits should provide some relief to stations facing manpower shortages.
