STORY:
Sydney Firefighters In Trucks, Dressed For NYE

When midnight hits, 6000 firefighters will be suited-up for possible disaster

Since Australia is the first major country that could face problems from the computer Y2K crisis, it is being watch closely on its response to possible problems. In an unprecedented move, the New South Wales Fire Brigades is warning its 6000 firefighters that they will have to be suited-up and in their trucks when the clock strikes midnight January 1, 2000.

Experts say the Y2K computer date crisis could cause power outages which means elevators would get stuck, water pumps could fail and people being injured in the dark. The 328 New South Wales fire brigades protect towns and provinces just out Sydney, Australia's largest city.

Firefighters have been told to be in their helmets, boots, fire-resistant trousers and coats, and in their fire engines ready to roll at 11pm on Friday, December 31. The same firefighters have reportedly been told to forget about vacation around the New Year's holiday.

If the universal "stand to" order is given, it will be the first order of its kind in the brigade's 115-year history according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The 78 manned fire stations that protect the greater Sydney area are still discussing their own New Year's Eve plans.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

DATE: 07/13/99

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