This city of 600,000 people has had a full time paid fire service since 1865, and currently employs around 460 members. Their six full time stations are supported by 22 volunteer fire stations, mainly located in former villages which now constitute outer suburbs, with a further 600 operational volunteers as well as a 300 strong youth brigade. Attending 6,500 calls a year including over 1, 000 fires - as well as more than 20, 000 EMS runs - the combined full time and volunteer fire, rescue and EMS services operate a fleet of approximately 150 various vehicles.
Added by Rob Johnson on 10 May 2022.