The National Fire Authority has reported a continuing shortage of firefighters across the nation. CEO Sowane Puamau announced plans for another recruitment drive scheduled for October, noting that the current workforce comprises approximately 605 firefighters.
“We will be having another recruit shortly in October. We still have a shortfall of firefighters around the country,” Puamau stated. He indicated that financial challenges limit the number of new hires.
Puamau emphasized the need for additional personnel to effectively manage fire services in cities like Suva, Labasa, and Lautoka. “The recruitment of new firefighters depends on the number of fire trucks and the size of our stations. We have categories A to C, which require more manpower to manage,” he explained.