Geelong City Fire Station is facing significant fleet maintenance issues heading into what is expected to be an elevated fire season. Local fire fighters are having to repair their rescue car faulty window with yellow tape to prevent the windows going down during a call out. Local Fire fighters have more faith in the yellow […]
Bendigo and Ballarat FRV members demand answers after missing out on meeting
Firefighters have called for safer work practices at a rally outside a Bendigo MP’s office on 30 September. Members from Bendigo and Ballarat Fire Rescue Victoria crews joined the United Firefighters Union at Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan’s office after the MP declined a meeting request.
APPLIANCES ACROSS MELBOURNE AND STH EAST MELBOURNE LIMITED!
Firefighters have called for safer work practices at a rally outside a Bendigo MP’s office on 30 September. Members from Bendigo and Ballarat Fire Rescue Victoria crews joined the United Firefighters Union at Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan’s office after the MP declined a meeting request. Pumper 88 (Hallam) is off-line this morning due to […]
Key Victorian energy infrastructure has been left with a significantly reduced capacity to fight fires. Power Stations at Loy Yang and Yallourn are both serviced by Fire Rescue Victoria. FRV’s Morwell Fire Station has one of its four Pumpers in the La Trobe Valley area out of commission. Efforts are being made desperately by on-duty […]
St Albans is now being serviced by a Pumper Tanker that looks like it’s out of the Museum. This is the second replacement tanker after the first replacement broke down, all whilst their actual Pumper Tanker is off for repair Can’t keep up? Neither can we. #firecrisisvictoria#firerescuevictoria#stalbans#melbourne#victoria
Residents and workers located in High Rise premises within Melbourne CBD are urged to develop a fire safety plan that involves vacating quickly in case of an emergency. Following a downgrade of the CBD’s only Ladder Platform Truck on Saturday night, it has officially been placed out of Commission on Monday morning. This means if […]
Following yet another fault with the Pumper Fire Truck at Hallam, Victoria was left without a spare truck across the state. FRV are scrambling to find a replacement for Hallam, who is relying on a Truck that has been moved from Dandenong. With hot conditions being experienced across the state, this is far from an […]
Ladder Platform Appliances in short supply. As of this morning Dandenong is without a dedicated Ladder Platform. Its dedicated appliance has been sent to service the La Trobe Valley. Critical infrastructure is at risk.
Firefighters battling the factory blaze in Dandenong on Friday were working with an appliance that is out of date and not fit for purpose. Pumper emits hazardous black smoke engulfing firefighters, due to a foam pump problem, likely the cause of the pumper failing to produce. Firefighting foam is critical when dealing with flammable liquid […]
PAKENHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS WITHOUT BA SUPPORT!
Pakenham and surrounds is without a Breathing Apparatus support vehicle to supply replacement air cylinders and Breathing Apparatus sets in case of an emergency. This appliance also covers the La Trobe valley. Currently there is no replacement available, leaving Pakenham, surrounds and the La Trobe Valley without crucial emergency support. #firecrisisvictoria #springst #frv #ohs #firefighters
It’s now almost two weeks since this deadly fire occurred, leaving two firefighters injured and one fatality. Yet the local member of parliament, Gabrielle Williams MP remains silent on the need to update our fleet.
There is currently diminished Emergency Response Capacity at Essendon Airport and Melbourne’s northern urban/rural interface due to an Inadequate Replacement appliance, that has now broken down. Two days ago Tullamarine Station lost its dedicated high-capacity pumper tanker. Its replacement was a lower-capacity pumper which also has a reduced foam capacity. Yesterday on its way to […]
western suburbs serviced by appliancE THAT IS NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE!
Melbourne’s West serviced by appliances not fit for purpose Sunshine station has had its Teleboom appliance out of commission since February this year, due to a number of faults with the Truck. This has left the Western Suburbs of Melbourne without an aerial appliance to perform multi storey rescues. Its replacement Truck has been a […]
On 27 November FRV asked for an inspection of the dedicated Ladder Platform stationed at Ballarat. On 19 December its compliance plate became invalid and today it was taken off line due to safety concerns and it being non compliant. This leaves Victoria’s Western Region from Bacchus Marsh to the SA Border without an appliance […]
The Front Page of The Courier, Ballarat, has highlighted safety concerns over Fire Rescue Victoria’s out of date fleet. https://www.thecourier.com.au/…/ballarat-frv-faces…/
Craigieburn Firefighters unable to attend Tobacco Shop Fire in Craigieburn!
With a Craigieburn Tobacco shop fire the latest in the long list of shops to be targeted by arsonists, it’s alarming to note that the closest truck was off-line due to a series of Faults. In the hours leading up to the fire, Craigieburn firefighters had reported multiple faults with the truck, and told they […]
The North West of Victoria are without a ladder platform!
The North West of Victoria are without a ladder platform. Critical to rescues from multi story building due to Bendigos Ladder platform failing safety checks this morning. Premier Allan’s own electorate left exposed by her Government’s negligence to the fire services. At what point will she intervene. #firecrisisvictoria#FireCrisis#bendigo#springst#firetruck
FRV hasn’t a single spare Pumper in the fleet, with crews from multiple stations today putting out statewide emails in search of one. On a shambolic day (even by FRV standards) Fire Trucks were taken offline only to have their replacements taken offline as well. Caroline Springs Pumper broke down today only to have its […]
As Temperatures rise, Victoria remains without any spare Pumpers
Eastern Hill attempted to secure a spare Pumper Tanker this morning, as their dedicated appliance has been offline for a month, waiting on parts. The crew picked up an older Mk4 Pumper Tanker, however it has been taken offline due to an inability to use the emergency stop button to cease pumping operations. Eastern Hills […]
Commissioner Freeman hired a PR firm to “improve his image” after a strong vote of no confidence by firefighters recently. One of the moves was to show up to the vehicle workshops in hi vis, taking photos in front of trucks. The problem, the vehicle he’s posed in front of was removed from service in […]
Rowville is currently being a serviced by an appliance that is simply falling apart. Some of the faults associated with the appliance include: • Burnover Protection Sprays dribbling water, not spraying – Cab O/S & N/S rear window protection sprays. • Driver Seatbelt fraying. • Airbag suspension dash warning light is active, truck is not […]
A Pumper at Lucas had its on-board foam pump fail yesterday, with spare parts at least a month away. Unfortunately, a portable transfer pump supplied to assist has been taken offline due to OHS risks. With no spares Pumpers for Division B stations across Victoria, Lucas will be relying on a time costly manner to […]
Station in Minister Symes electorate required to take drastic measures
Station in Minister Symes electorate required to take drastic measures to cover for lack of appliances across Victoria. @JaclynSymes#firecrisisvictoria#shepparton#springst
GEELONG’S ENTIRE FLEET IS IN DISREPAIR – EVERY TRUCK IS OFFLINE
Not good enough, Minister Symes. Geelong’s fleet in disrepair – every Truck offline Geelong is experiencing unprecedented issues with its fleet, every Truck is currently out of commission. Replacements, up to 20 years old. A pump built in 07 B pump built in 10 Rescue built in 06 Ladder built in 04 #springst #springst
Not good enough, Minister Symes. A Firefighter at Richmond yesterday nearly suffered a heavy fall upon entering an 18 year old Truck, where the grab handle snapped due to metal fatigue. Thankfully the Firefighter was able to regain his balance. Unfortunately it is another example of the hazard Victoria’s aged and not fit for purpose […]
Not good enough, Minister Symes. Aerial Pumper 72 has once again broken down at a fire. This is the 2nd fire that this vehicle has had to be abandoned at in as many months. In addition to these breakdowns, Aerial Pumper 72 had been away for a seperate mechanical fault, and was only returned into […]
Victorian firefighters call for funding to maintain aging truck fleet
Not good enough, Premier Allan & Minister Symes. Frustration rather than relief overcame firefighter Luke Alexander after he put out a grassfire in north-west Victoria earlier this year. The 14-year-old truck his crew operated had broken down and he was forced to book a taxi to get back to the station. “We were stuck on […]
FRV Commissioner, Premier Allan & Minister Symes. Please stop putting firefighters and our community at risk.Please take action, speak with honesty. No more spin, please do the rightful meaningful thing that the safety of our community demands of you! Following over a year out of service, Sunshine’s Teleboom broke down in the middle of a […]
Fire Trucks in Melbourne CBD are falling apart and unroadworthy!
Victoria’s fleet is a safety risk and needs urgent investment. It is unacceptable that a State Labor Government would continue to provide its workforce with unroadworthy and unsafe appliances.
The safety of communities across Victoria is being compromised due to a Fire Rescue Fleet that is aged and unreliable. Send your local politician a letter today! https://firecrisis.com.au/send-the-letter/
Data obtained by the UFU Victorian Branch in early 2024 reveals a dire situation facing firefighters and the community in relation to age and reliability of FRV’s fleet. The UFU can reveal that currently the following Trucks are deemed out of date or approaching the end of their service life in the context of FRV’s […]
CBD left without essential Fire Fighting Appliance. No spares available!
Breaking: CBD left without essential Fire Fighting Appliance. No spares available. The CBD is served by some of the oldest Trucks in Victoria’s Fleet. Now one of them is currently out of commission. There is a desperate search for a spare Truck across the State. Meanwhile, the CBD is not receiving the coverage and Truck […]
Altona Appliance taken offline following smoke poring out from vehicle
After returning from a call on Tuesday night, the St Albans crew noticed its offside middle wheel smoking. This Truck has been in service for over 15 years and should have been replaced in accordance with FRV policy. The Truck was taken out of Commission on Tuesday night, left on the side of the road. […]
Our Community Deserves Better: Outdated Trucks Threaten Safety!
Our Community Deserves Better: Outdated Trucks Threaten Safety! Melbourne, is you fire service prepared? A critical fire truck is currently out of service due to a malfunction. This truck is essential for battling major blazes across Melbourne. The accelerator is stuck on: This poses a serious safety risk to firefighters. Replacement parts are unavailable: Due […]
Our Community is at risk! fire trucks are outdated.
Our Community Deserves Better: Outdated Trucks Threaten Safety! Almost half of Victoria’s fire trucks are outdated, putting our communities AND firefighters at risk! These breakdowns can mean the difference between saving lives or a tragedy unfolding. Fire trucks NEED to be replaced every 15 years to ensure reliability for firefighter and community safety. Let’s keep […]
Rowville Fire Pumper Out of Service, Community at Risk!
Pumper 86 (Rowville), is currently out of commission due to a mechanical fault discovered during routine checks this morning. This is a major concern for the safety of our community. While testing the pump, the PTO failed, causing a loss of water pressure and a disturbing grinding noise. Firefighters attempted to fix the issue but […]
Community Safety compromised – No Spare Truck across Victoria
Fire Rescue Victoria is scrambling to find Trucks for communities across the state this morning. Alarmingly, this has resulted in all operational appliances at the Training Academy being removed to meet some of the shortfall. Subsequently Recruit Training, continuation training and Operational Promotional Training do not have Fire Trucks to provide critical training and have […]
Out of Date Ballarat Ladder Platform riddled with faults
Fire Ballarat and Western Victoria is being serviced by a critical appliance that is out of date and experiencing significant complications, leaving firefighters and the community at risk . #springst #ballarat #firecrisis
Breakdown in Keilor – No Spare Fire Trucks across Victoria
The Victorian Community is currently being left at risk, as our Fire Rescue Fleet continues to break down across the State. A 20year old Truck at East Keilor Station failed to start this morning due to a damaged starter motor. The station has been advised there are no spare Trucks available, leaving the community of […]
UFU Shop Steward and Ballarat leading firefighter Matt MacGillivray says Ballarat City Fire Station (FRV 67) has had issues with its permanent and temporary ladder platforms. Picture by Adam Trafford An ageing fleet of fire trucks continues to plague Ballarat’s firefighters, with a temporary replacement vehicle sent out also having issues. The United Firefighters Union […]
Our Aerial Pumper 72 has been a nightmare for the past month! Repaired after months, only to break down WITHIN 24 HOURS! (Locking crews in/out, suspension failure) Weeks later, it tried coming back online, but the SUSPENSION FAILED AGAIN! Last week, another “fix” but TODAY, it FAILED A FIRE CALL! (Airline failure, locked brakes, then […]
As Victoria’s Fire Truck crisis continues, the community is seeing our Fire Trucks being left on the side of the road as Breakdowns continue. This 18 year old appliance broke down at a busy intersection in Canterbury this afternoon. This is yet another alarming example of the potential dangers our community and firefighters are facing […]
Melbourne’s Western Suburbs at Risk Due to Fire Truck Crisis!
There’s currently NO multi-storey fire rescue available in Melbourne’s west. This means critical delays if a high-rise rescue is needed during peak hour traffic. Lives could be at stake! The situation is even worse because: The eastern suburbs’ Teleboom is also out of service, with no backup available. The western suburbs’ Teleboom, the oldest Teleboom […]
Victoria’s Firefighters Left High and Dry – AGAIN!
Just emerged: footage of a Melbourne fire truck with a broken speedo and a lit-up dashboard like a Christmas tree! Apparently, the only spare fire truck in the ENTIRE STATE is all the way in Warrnambool, which means Melton crews have to travel ages to get it now their truck has broken down. This is […]
Update: Another truck offline, no spares available!
Yet another Truck has been taken offline today, this time in South Warrandyte. It’s pump is dropping out. Right now there are NO SPARE TRUCKS to replace this appliance. Victoria is in a Fire Truck crisis, yet there is only silence from Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister Jaclyn Symes. The State Government is playing Russian […]
20 year old Truck broken down at Woolworths Brunswick!
Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis continues to escalate as a 20 year old Truck breaks down in Brunswick. The public is seeing more and more Trucks break down on the streets of Victoria, in what is becoming a public relations disaster for Fire Rescue Victoria and the State Government. This Truck should have been taken off […]
Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis Heats Up: Lucas Fire Truck, where there is smoke, there is FIRE!
Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis continues to escalate as a 20 year old Truck breaks down in Brunswick. The public is seeing more and more Trucks break down on the streets of Victoria, in what is becoming a public relations disaster for Fire Rescue Victoria and the State Government. This Truck should have been taken off […]
The Brimbank & Northwest Star features a story highlighting the risk to Firefighters and the community of having out of date and unreliable Trucks on the road. #taylorslakes #fixourfiretrucks #firetruckcrisis #firecrisisvictoria #springst
South Warrandytes’ pumper is falling apart, leaving its exhaust dragging along the road. Jacinta Allan’s Government has failed Victorians with another truck unable to respond. How long until someone is killed by the government’s neglect.
Firefighters on the ground are reporting that Victoria currently has no spare Trucks. Should one of Victoria’s unreliable and out of date Trucks breakdown, there are no spares to replace it. Victorians are experiencing a Fire Truck Crisis. The failure of the State Government to act on this crisis is leaving the community and Firefighters […]
Crews from Melton responded to a car accident on the Western Freeway last night, but faced a series of setbacks: Hose Reel Jammed: The off-side hose reel malfunctioned, delaying fire protection for the public and responders. Firefighters had to use a step ladder to fix it temporarily while working near moving traffic! Pump Failure: The […]
Victoria’s Fire Truck crisis hits home today as this 23 year old, out of date and not fit for purpose truck was towed away from FRV HQ this afternoon. #fixourfiretrucks #firetruckcrisis #firecrisisvictoria
House Fire in Point Cook hampered by lack of Aerial Appliances
A multi storey House Fire in Point Cook yesterday morning, involving the rescue of a 15-year-old boy. The crews on the ground have been commended for their brave actions, however the incident yet again brings into sharp focus the precarious position of Victoria’s Fire Rescue Service Fleet. Earlier this month, Western Melbourne was left without […]
Minister Jaclyn Symes declares – ‘Just because a Truck has a Birthdate, doesn’t mean its not fit for purpose…’
On 18 July 2024 Emergency Services Minster Jaclyn Symes declared – ‘Just because a Truck has a Birthdate, doesn’t mean it’s not fit for purpose…’ CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE MINISTER #fixourfiretrucks #firetruckcrisis #firecrisisvictoria
The Melton and Moorabool Star Reports on how firefighters from the Melton Fire Brigade experienced major equipment setbacks on their fire engine when responding to an incident in Brookfield on Monday, July 15. FOR FULL DETAILS CLICK HERE
Equipment including truck issues plague major firefighting efforts!
Community and Firefighters lives at risk due to equipment failure and missing gear! When will the Minister listen and make the fixing the problem and community safety the number one priority for us all!
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, believes real action needs to be taken to support our firefighters in regional Victoria. The Mildura electorate, spanning over 37,000 km², faces some of the harshest weather conditions in the state. Despite promises, the Allan Labor Government has not delivered the necessary support to FRV and some CFA […]
Victorians left at risk as Fire Truck Crisis worsens
3 out of 5 Telebooms are currently off the road. Victoria has 5 Telebooms that perform multi storey rescue, all of which are out of date and should have been replaced years ago. 3 of these Appliances are now off the road! But due to a lack of planning and investment these appliances have been […]
Members and Supporters are encouraged to attend a rally on Saturday that will address issues concerning health impacts associated with toxic waste fires. The rally will also highlight issues concerning Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis and the impact it is having on battling these blazes. A representative from the UFU will be addressing the Rally.
This week’s Brimbank Star highlights the importance of establishing a rolling fleet replacement for Victoria’s Fire Rescue Fleet. Click on the Below Photo to Read More
Mildura’s aerial pumper out of commission – again!
Milduras Aerial Pumper 72 out of commission again! The only multi story capable appliance from Bendigo to the South Australian Border now is Bendigos Ladder Platform!!! A large coolant leak when driving has put Aerial Pumper 72 out of commission, with no mechanics avaliable to inspect it until tomorrow. This has the cascading effect on […]
Protect the west – no more toxic fires – fix the truck crisis
Colleen Hartland, former Member of The Legislative Council, Parliament of Victoria, joined 774 ABC to discuss the recent spate of Toxic Fires occurring in the Western Suburbs.
Minister, Minister, Premier, Premier, where are you?
In response to a question concerning Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis, The Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes, claimed that she regularly caught up with firefighters to hear their needs. At FS 01, a short distance from her Ministerial office, a rehab unit is parked. It is literally held together by grey tape. Also stationed at […]
Last week in Question Time Mr David Ettershank MLC asked Emergency Services Minister, Jaclyn Symes, about Victoria’s Fire Truck crisis and its impact on the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. Mr Ettershank noted that Trucks had broken down at multiple fires in the West recently, including the Chemical Blaze in Derrimut. He went on to ask […]
Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis continues, with a Broadmeadows Pumper Tanker malfunctioning on scene, whilst producing foam for a flammable liquid fire. Pure foam concentrate is leaking out into lockers, over equipment and hoses. Unable to produce foam the Pumper Tanker is out of Commission, being replaced with an appliance that has less water capacity, due […]
Breaking – yet Another fire truck break down on a job!
During this morning’s Gym fire in Dandenong a Fire Truck in attendance broke down. 87B failed last night at a gym fire. During the operation while pumping it kept shutting off. It could not be rectified. There were no replacement trucks so truck and crew went off-line. All operations on that sector had to be […]
Another truck towed – What will it take minister symes -your actions show you just do not care about this dangerous situation- Fail!
An increasingly familiar sight as another Fire Truck is towed away, from Frankston Fire Station. The Truck is due for replacement next year in accordance with FRV policy, but there are no plans to replace it. Frankston will continue to be served by a Truck that is unreliable, faulty and not fit for purpose. Local […]
Ballarat’s Aging Ladder Platform Fails Again, Exposing Community to Risk
A critical piece of firefighting equipment in Ballarat is out of commission again, highlighting the urgent need for investment in Victoria’s fire services. Ballarat’s 20 year-old ladder platform spewed metal shavings from its stabilizers this morning, forcing it offline. Despite the best efforts by the Ballarat mechanics who tirelessly maintain this outdated equipment, it’s simply […]
FRV crews in Lara Left with Faulty Trucks – Community at Risk!
FRV firefighters in Lara have recently been struggling with a truck riddled with faults, one of which involves a failure in the vehicles engine braking system, a crucial feature to slow the truck down, especially when responding to emergencies! A glimmer of hope arrived on Friday when a spare fire truck was found, allowing their […]
Another critical issue – just adding to the mess this government has created!
Last night’s fire at the Morwell Bowling Club exposed a critical issue: a lack of reliable aerial firefighting equipment. Traralgon’s 14-year-old Ladder Platform 77 had a hydraulic malfunction, forcing them to shut down operations and wait on Dandenong’s ladder platform, leaving that community vulnerable. This isn’t new. The Dandenong Ladder Platform covered for Traralgon in […]
Portland House fire – minister symes is in denial and speaks only of mythical realities!
Minister Symes keeps saying that 80% of the fleet is ready to respond, but as firefighter on the ground know that is not the reality for regional fire stations. A 75 year old lady hast lost her house and it is quite clear the outcome could have been different. Reality is Minister Symes has known […]
Portland Guardian reports on the fire truck crisis!
How many times do we have to say it. Minister Symes you are wrong! you keep saying that 80% of the fleet is ready to respond, but as firefighter on the ground know that is not the reality for regional fire stations. A 75 year old lady hast lost her house and it is quite […]
The new Pumper Platform has arrived in Mildura! Still many more are needed!
Following strong advocacy from local UFU delegates and members in Mildura, the community of Northwestern Victoria will benefit from the services of a new Pumper Platform. Local delegates, Luke Alexander and Matt Duda, with the support of local firefighters have been instrumental in obtaining this new appliance for the community. One of the first new […]
Northern Victoria Left Without an Aerial Rescue Truck!
Northen Victoria Left without an Aerial Rescue Platform A 19-year-old Ladder Platform stationed at Bendigo broke down during a fire fight in Inglewood yesterday afternoon, forcing a firefighter to self-evacuate from a cage that was working over the fire. This Ladder Platform services all of Northern Victoria. Dramatic footage taken on scene shows the firefighter […]
This week we saw FRV’s Ladder Platform capability beyond breaking point, it simply imploded. Within 48 hours there was nearly a 50% reduction in Victoria’s Ladder Platform capability! Bendigo had their Ladder Platform fail during a fire, forcing the firefighter into an emergency evacuation. Footscray’s 44m Ladder Platform had hydraulic failure, so a reduced capacity […]
The front Page of today’s Bendigo Advertiser landed on the local MP’s desk, Premier Jacinta Allan, highlighting how Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis is leaving local communities and firefighters at risk. Well done to the UFU members bringing these issues to light. Please continue to report truck faults to faults@ufuvic.asn.au You deserve to be safe at […]
