The 19 response units are alerted to the incidents on their station ground to support the whole-time Fire and Rescue Service (depending on the level of alert) and they respond to large incidents all over the town. They also carry out specialist roles (e.g. HAZMAT-Defence, communications, setting up casualty handling areas, catering for operational units, flood control, lightning). During protracted incidents some volunteer units will provide cover at whole-time fire stations.
Volunteer fire brigade
In addition to the firefighters of the whole-time Fire and Rescue Service there are 500 members of the volunteer fire brigade ready to provide rapid assistance in all kinds of emergencies.