The State Emergency Minister MIKE GALLACHER denies fire fighters claims that  lives will be put at risk following reductions  to their budget, and there are fears local stations many have to bear some of the cuts.

The STATE GOVERNMENT will cut Fire and Rescue Services budget by 70 million  dollars over the next four years. \

Fire fighters are considering temporary station closures to make up for  the shortage but claim it will put their lives and those of the public at  risk.

Locally it is feared the government may be tempted by close the station in Haig Ave Nowra, currently used by retained for part time fire fighters.

Nowra's other station, in the Flinders Industrial Estate, is now staffed 24/7 by full time crews, who are supported by Haig Ave as the need arises.

On the highlands the part time retained fire fighters are waiting anxiously to see if the state will be prepared to continue funding three stations, one each in Bowral, Moss Vale and Mittagong

While the government says services will not be cut, JIM CASEY from the FIRE BRIGADE Union says that will put the lives of the  public and fire fighters at risk.