Bushfire ready neighbourhood officer Mike Turner said more firefighters were needed to better manage peak periods, particularly during shift changeovers.  

Mr Turner said Kelso has 16 active members and was seeking to double this number before the bushfire season. 

“You could have 10 people out in the morning and when it comes time to rotate those shifts, we would only have another six people to replace them if all our members are in the area at the time,” he said.

Mr Turner said there were about 3000 residents in his area of responsibility, stemming from Andersons Creek to Bass Strait, and from the Tamar River to the Narawntapu National Park. 

“Consequently we are somewhat out on a limb, because the closest brigade that can support us is Beaconsfield Brigade, then there’s Rowella, then you start to go further afield,” he said.

“If the fire starts at say midday and it’s up on West Head or Narawntapu National Park, it will take us about 20 minutes from the station to get there.

To get assistance from Beaconsfield it will take about another 15 to 20 minutes, so you’re looking at 30 to 40 minutes before you can get assistance.” 

Firefighter Nic Chantler said the Kelso Fire Brigade had dealt with a range of issues ranging from flooding to car accidents.

The view is in line with the Tasmania Fire Service and the State Emergency Services, which last month held its first-ever joint conference.

They cited the need for greater collaboration of resources in the wake of disastrous flooding. 

The Climate Council has projected that Tasmanian fire seasons will only get longer, as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. 

During the 2015-16 year, TFS attended to 700 bushfires, not inclusive of Parks & Wildlife Service and Forestry Tasmania fires.

Mr Turner said other issues included members falling sick, away, or working elsewhere.