AMHERST, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Amherst Fire Fighters Local has issued a warning after the recent fire on Olympia Place, calling for more staff – 18 additional career firefighters to bring the department to the average national staffing level.

President of the Amherst Firefighters Local, Sarah Forsaith, says the amount of mutual aid needed to support the Amherst Fire Department is “unsustainable,” an issue several local fire departments are facing.

The Hatfield Fire Department has also expressed via social media that the inadequate staffing in the department is impacting the ability to respond to all of the calls coming in from the community.

Some departments are looking to regionalized services, others like Greenfield and Turners Falls are establishing stronger working relationships.