Aging Fire Truck Fleet Under Scrutiny as Safety Concerns Rise

As the fire season approaches, the safety of Victoria's Country Fire Authority (CFA) fleet is under investigation by WorkSafe Victoria, prompted by alarming concerns from the CFA Volunteers Group (CFAVG). This inquiry has been sparked particularly by the revelation that the oldest truck in service, a 1989 two-wheel drive tanker from the Muckatah Brigade, is now a staggering 37 years old and well past its intended lifespan.

John Houston, president of the CFAVG, has been vocal about the urgent need for funding to replace outdated tankers across the state. In his view, the current fleet is not only insufficient but poses serious health and safety risks for volunteers. "We have to recognise these trucks are no longer fit for purpose and are no longer safe," Houston stated, emphasizing the necessity for independent scrutiny into the matter.

The inquiry comes after the CFAVG formally reached out to WorkSafe back in May, requesting an investigation into the safety conditions surrounding CFA's single-cab tankers. WorkSafe has since confirmed that their inspectors are actively engaging with CFA authorities and have visited multiple brigades to assess the situation. The CFA has been cooperative, providing necessary documentation and access to their vehicles.

Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke acknowledged the lifespan of the vehicles and expressed his willingness to discuss potential improvements with CFA leadership, highlighting the advancements in trucks compared to those in service during his own tenure. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson pointed out that the CFA has seen increased funding and resources under the current Labor administration, with new trucks reportedly introduced every four days.

Despite the availability of new trucks, the CFAVG highlights a troubling backlog of outdated units that has accumulated over the last decade. The Muckatah Brigade's aging tanker, which has already faced reliability issues, illustrates the critical need for timely replacements. Brigade captain Glen Hamson expressed concern over the lack of a clear timeline for replacing their aging equipment, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the CFA in maintaining a safe and effective firefighting force.

Source: www.abc.net.au