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 […]
Shepparton Aerial Pumper failure! Symes lets Victoria Burn
Shepparton Aerial Pumper has failed after a training drill and has a slow leak requiring it to be refilled constantly. This occured only 90 minutes after the firefighters were told the new Pumper Platform was no longer coming, but instead being diverted to the Westerb Suburb’s of Melbourne. This means Shepparton is now left with […]
Following yet another breakdown of Aerial Appliance and with its dedicated Pumper at a job, the Community of Shepparton and surrounds are down to a Hazmat Response Truck to protect life and property. Local workshop mechanics are working overtime to keep the community of Shepparton and local Firefighters protected, local firefighters express their thanks for […]
Firetrucks towed – “Minister Symes leaves us in a FIRE CRISIS!”
Fire Trucks Towed, Victorians Left in a Fire Crisis! Just another Friday night in Victoria? Fire Station 53’s pumper getting towed away in Sunbury! This is becoming WAY too common for our fire services. Victorians deserve a MODERN fire service, not one reliant on tow trucks! We pay a fire levy, yet Minister Symes leaves […]
The state of Victoria’s Fire Rescue Fleet can be summed up in these two photo’s. LFF Paul Whelan is shown with his 4-year-old son in 2002, in front of Teleboom 44 (Car 376). 22 years’ later LFF Whelan, now retired, stands with his son Ed (now 26) in front of the same Teleboom which Ed […]
Victorian Motorists at Risk from Old Faulty Trucks
Victorian Motorists, including an Ambulance, were forced to dodge a 9-metre ladder yesterday on the Burwood Highway, as it fell off the back of a 19 year old appliance enroute to a fire call. The ladder was found by Ambulance Victoria members and was reportedly removed from the roadway by passers-by. A faulty strut used […]
Critical shortage of Ladder Platforms across Victoria
Victoria’s Fire Truck crisis has escalated over the weekend, as out of date Ladder Platforms have been taken offline with regions across the State left without protection from these critical appliances. Stations across Victoria are reporting that there are no spare appliances available. This includes Dandenong, which currently is without a Ladder Platform. The Ladder […]
Dandenong loses yet another appliance. Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis Continues to impact the community of Dandenong with another appliance taken off the road, following plumes of smoke emitting from the appliance. With its Ladder Platform already out of commission, this leaves the community of Dandenong at serious risk. This is what the community gets as […]
The Community of Melton is once again being left with a Fire Truck that is unreliable and hazardous. This morning footage emerged showing the Fire Truck leaking due to a thermal valve being stuck open.
Motorists along Burwood Highway getting a good look at the truck crisis firsthand with yet another pumper breakdown. Starter Motor breaks, leaving crew stranded unable to get to a fire. #firetruckcrisis
No Ladder platform at fire Station 1 since 30th August. Whole CBD compromised!
Fire Station 1 has been without a Ladder Platform since August 30th! This is the first responding aerial appliance for the CBD of Melbourne, and without it the thousands of workers and residents are at risk. Firefighters on station have resorted to drastic measures!
A training drill at Fire Station 67 in Ballarat City turned dangerous when the 20-year-old Ladder Platform’s front driver-side stabilizer started losing hydraulic pressure. The truck has been taken out of commission, and the ticking sound was a stark reminder of its deteriorating condition. There is no reserve Ladder Platforms left in the state to […]
FRV’s fire truck crisis has hit new lows with Corio now losing a fire truck for today and tonight because of a breakdown. With NO SPARE FIRE TRUCKS IN THE STATE to replace the broken down truck, the community of Corio and the firefighters who protect it are forced to go without. It’s time for […]
Due to no spare FRV pumpers in the state Warrnambool’s spare pumper 70C (a pumper station at Warrnambool to be used when all trucks are committed at a job) was taken to fill in at Corio as 62B when their truck broke down. When Geelong pumper 63B broke down Corio 62B was taken to Geelong […]
Victoria’s Firetruck Crisis – Now a Quiz Question!
Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis has made The Shepparton News Quiz in Thursdays paper. True or False? Hint, go to www.firetruckcrisis.com.au for the sad facts about this sad truism.
Urgent – Minister Jaclyn Symes – Greater Dandenong Area, including sections of the Eastlink and Monash Freeway, have NO road accident or industrial rescue capability tonight! Truck Crisis!
URGENT: Greater Dandenong Area at Risk! Rescue 87 Dandenong is OUT and there are NO replacements! This means the Greater Dandenong Area, including sections of the Eastlink and Monash Freeway, have NO road accident or industrial rescue capability! You pay a fire service levy and TAC fees to cover this response, yet this critical service […]
Minister jaclyn Symes continues to fail firefighters and our community!
Following significant media coverage of the impact Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis is having on the community and Firefighters of Shepparton, The Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes, has responded …. ‘Shepparton is not the centre of the Universe…’ Victoria is experiencing a Fire Truck Crisis, Shepparton Fire Station has responsibility of covering a number of […]
The community of Dandenong has lost yet another Fire Truck this morning. The Pumper had to be towed away due to Transmission issues. Victoria’s Fire Truck Fleet is not fit for purpose, with Trucks continuously breaking down and being taken out of commission, often without a replacement available.
Car 107, a 15 year old Truck has been towed away from Mentone Station.
The Truck should be taken off the road, according to FRV policy, but due to Victoria’s Fire Truck crisis it has been forced to remain on line. The lack of a sustainable rolling replacement program is leaving Victorian Firefighters and communities at risk as they are forced to rely on Trucks that are out of […]
Behind The Smoke and Mirrors: FRV’s Fire truck reality!
While FRV Commissioner Freeman focuses on showcasing new toys, our dedicated firefighters are forced to fill gaps with whatever they can find. The only reason the new EV fire truck is parked where it is? The ladder platform that is usually parked there is busy plugging holes around Victoria, being moved to where outdated fire […]
A Truck from Sunbury has been taken out of commission, due to a pump failure, only weeks after it was taken off line for a similar fault. Motorists following the truck have sent footage of it leaking along the Highway. The 14 year old appliance is due to be taken off the road in 7 […]
Another Disaster: Truck Troubles Put Lives at Risk
A critical call to assist Ambulance Victoria with an unconscious patient locked in a house was delayed due to a series of failures. All four crew members were in the truck doing truck checks when the call came in. Three crew exited to get dressed, but the officer was locked inside due to a central […]
Victorian Communities left at risk with 3 of 5 Teleboom’s currently offline!
Telebooms are critical for performing rescues from heights and fighting large scale fires. All 5 are out of date and constantly failing. The latest to break down is from Sunshine, where is had only recently returned to after being broken down for months. Due to a lack of planning and investment these appliances have been […]
Another day, another breakdown for our outdated fire trucks. This time, Teleboom 44 in Sunshine is stuck in the up position thanks to a broken cover, exposing critical parts to damage. This 24-year-old truck is 9 YEARS PAST its recommended service life! It shouldn’t be on the road, let alone putting firefighters at risk. But […]
Minister Jaclyn Symes – The mess gets messier – Footscray Fire Station Double Fire Crisis! Major chemical facilities at risk!
Footscray Fire Station DOUBLE Fire Crisis! Fire Station 47 in Footscray is facing a HUGE problem. Their main fire truck went down with a pump failure. They had to rely on a 21-year-old spare truck, 6 YEARS past its service life! This “spare truck” was pulled from the training academy as there are no spare […]
Sunshine fire station was down a truck for 24 hours because of a breakdown in Footscray. This isn’t the first time and our suburbs are facing a FIRE CRISIS! These are the areas most prone to massive industrial fires, and Sunshine’s trucks are often the first on the scene. Reduced capacity puts everyone at risk […]
another breakdown – No reserve pumpers – minister symes continued reaction “crickets”
Victoria has no reserve Pumpers available as breakdowns and faults continue to plague our Fire Rescue. A Pumper Tanker was taken offline in Thomastown and replaced with the last remaining spare across Victoria. Meanwhile at a Regional fire station, Footage has emerged of a Truck leaking significantly. Victoria is experiencing a Fire Truck crisis. Day […]
firetruck crisis – Nick McGowan – Member for Northeast Metropolitan
Yesterday in State Parliament, Nick McGowan MP, called on Minister Symes to reinstate a rolling replacement program to help fix Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis. Nick highlighted the dangers firefighters and the public are facing using examples such a 9-metre ladder flying off the back of a 19 year old Truck en route to a call, […]
Western Suburbs Left High & Dry: Fire Truck Shortage a Burning Issue!
Caroline Springs residents left exposed with Pumper 55 offline, and guess what? NO SPARE fire truck could be found in Victoria on Thursday! Our fire service is stretched dangerously thin. To plug this gap, Derrimut fire station has lost a truck, leaving them vulnerable after recent major factory fires. We pay a fire levy, where […]
Rainy Day Blues: Victorian Firefighters Fight Visibility Crisis
Raining and humid? No problem for most of us in our air-conditioned cars. But for firefighters at FS35 – Windsor, it’s a different story. Their fire truck is currently offline due to faulty air conditioning, making it impossible to see out the windows. This isn’t an isolated incident. Our Victorian fire fleet is facing a […]
Ladder Platform tasked with protecting the CBD high rises and surrounds breaks down
Eastern Hill were forced to pull over their Ladder Platform due to a fuel leak. Our Fire truck fleet is in Dire condition, with the Ladder Platform tasked with protecting the CBD high rises and surrounds, along with reduced rescue capability, Melbourne and Victoria are at risk under the Allan Government with no spare Aerial […]
Fire Station 40 Laverton had a fire truck fail that needed to be towed away. This is now becoming a weekly, if not a daily occurrence with FRV’s fleet of fire trucks in desperate need of replacements. We pay a Fire Service Levy for a reason: modern, reliable fire trucks that can get there when […]
500 Kilometres to get to a fire because of failed trucks!
When the Caroline Springs (FS55) fire truck broke down recently, the closest spare was 250km away in Warrnambool. Crews did the 500km round trip and put the truck into service at FS55 Today, the crew at FS55 responded to a fire call and on arrival at the job the pump on this spare truck failed […]
Victorian’s deserve a world class Fire Service, they pay for it via their Fire Services Levy. Instead we have broken down Fire Trucks and morale amongst Fire Rescue Victoria personnel is at an all time low. Firefighters and the Community deserve better. Minister Jaclyn Symes Burns Fire Rescue Victoria!
ufu mass meeting – Fire Trucks and Fire service not fit for purpose – minister jaclyn Symes does nothing but serve to make things worse!
Victorian’s deserve a world class Fire Service, they pay for it via their Fire Services Levy. Instead we have broken down Fire Trucks and morale amongst Fire Rescue Victoria personnel is at an all time low. Firefighters and the community deserve better. Off to Minister Symes office to send a message ‘stop selling us out!’ […]
TWO MORE Trucks off the Road FROM ONE STATION DUE TO UNROADWORTHINESS – Minister SYMES YEARS OF NEGLECT UNDER YOU! what are you playing at!
Two Derrimut Fire Trucks deemed unroadworthy Derrimut Fire Station had two Fire Trucks taken off the road this morning due to being unroadworthy. As is evident from the photos, both Trucks have Tyres that are unsafe for use and present a risk to Firefighters and the Community. Our Fire Service is suffering from a lack […]
Yesterday, firefighters at Fire Station 45 – Brooklyn were forced to take drastic measures to keep Pumper 45 operational for the community. With a broken rear window, they had to resort to DUCT TAPE and a PLASTIC BAG to shield the interior from the elements. This is unacceptable! Our firefighters deserve better equipment and resources […]
Fire Rescue Fleet struggles to keep up with a Factory Fire in Melbourne’s West
Breaking: As Victoria’s Fire Rescue Fleet struggles to keep up with a Factory Fire in Melbourne’s West, Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs are left without Aerial Coverage. Victoria is experiencing a Fire Truck Crisis. Due to a lack of planning and funding, the community is being left with a Fleet that is out of date and not […]
Questions to Minister Jaclyn Symes in parliament – The Response? – Word Salad! – Truth is Lives are at risk Through Poor Leadership!
Question Without Notice from Nick McGowan MP to Minister Symes regarding announcement of 180,000 Greenfield Sites and 12 Industrial Estates. How many new fire stations and fire trucks have been planned and budgeted for, if any? Supplementary Question In 2017 the government promised to build fire stations at Armstrong Creek and Clyde North. Why has […]
Getting the message out to our community. The response has been wonderfully supportive. The community truly understands and wants the mess created by Minister Jaclyn Symes fixed. It is just too risky and wrong to do nothing! Just like the money that was supposed to be there to establish FRV there is a fire services […]
Firefighters’ union stands firm in potential win for Shepparton – but FRV is ‘yet to finalise’ its decision
UFU State Secretary, Peter Marshall, has written to Fire Rescue Victoria confirming that the UFU agrees that the Pumper Platform designated for FS 75 Shepparton and the risk assessment surrounding such decision should stand. Minister Symes, FRV Commissioner and FRV Executive Leadership Team can’t even act on a clear risk assessment finding. Here is yet […]
Front Page of this Week’s Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Weekly
The Front Page of this Week’s Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Weekly takes a look at Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis. It features a story about a 17 year old truck stationed at Brooklyn, two years past its used by date, and requires a major repair. Firefighters are being forced to use the Truck as it can’t […]
Dandenong’s 14-year-old Ladder Platform is scheduled to be taken off the road in accordance with FRV replacement policy in June next year. However, due to a lack of planning and funding, Firefighters and the Community will be left with a Truck that is showing wear and tear. This Truck has had multiple faults reported this […]
Fire Truck Failure At Devastating Loss in Reservoir Blaze
This morning, Fire Truck Pumper 14 – Bundoora broke down while responding to a blaze that destroyed two homes. A faulty pump left firefighters with reduced capacity, forcing them to fight the fire with minimal pressure until another truck arrived 4 minutes later—too late to save the homes. This truck, 15 years old, should have […]
Recent emergencies in Pakenham have highlighted the need for another Fire Truck to be stationed in the area – currently there is only one. On 29 October, a structural fire occurred with back up requested, with an appliance coming from Hallam. It was peak hour on the Monash. Due to the ever-increasing growth in the […]
Caroline Springs Replacement Truck Offline – Search on for Spare Truck
Caroline Springs was in search of a Spare Fire Truck overnight. Following the breakdown of its dedicated Pumper, a Spare Truck was sent to Caroline Springs that had a list of faults and has now also been taken offline. The 14-year-old Truck has a roof monitor operates in reverse, up is down and down is […]
Marine Rescue Capability compromised as 19 year old Truck breaks down
.Marine Rescue Service was compromised yesterday, as a Truck dedicated to performing Marine Fire Rescue Service broke down on the West Gate Bridge after rendering assistance at a Truck Fire. The 19-year-old Truck is crewed by Firefighters specifically trained in performing Marine Fire Services. Had a fire occurred on a marine appliance whilst the Truck […]
Firefighters locked out of their own stations after ‘farcical’ 3G shutdown
Broede Carmody Brittany Busch November 13, 2024 — 7.30pm – The Age Melbourne Emergency service workers say they have been forced to find a workaround to track firetrucks in real-time, while some Melbourne firefighters been forced to jump a fence to get into their stations following the shutdown of the 3G network. Firefighters say they were […]
Obsolete mapping system and 3G shutdown leaves fire trucks untracked and firefighters locked out of stations
In short: The firefighters union says the 3G shutdown has rendered fire vehicles tracking system obsolete and the replacement GPS system is leaving trucks untracked. The 3G shutdown has also disabled a system that allowed access to fire stations, with one union delegate saying crews are being shut out of stations on a daily basis. […]
Yesterday in Parliament, Richard Welch MP, asked Minister Symes about issues impacting Fire Rescue Victoria, following the shutdown of the 3G Network. Firefighters have been locked out of FRV stations after the long-foreseen shutdown of the 3G mobile network. Additionally, the tracking of Trucks has been compromised following the shutdown of the 3G network. FRV […]
This week, FRV’s last spare fire truck was moved from Mildura to Melbourne. Now, if a truck breaks down at one of 38 stations spanning from Traralgon to Portland and up to Mildura, a community will go without as there are no spare trucks available. With all spare trucks in use FRV mechanics are struggling […]
Commissioner Freeman talking about values only for him, or his ‘FRV spokesperson’, to completely disregard them
Is anyone else getting sick of Freeman talking about values only for him, or his ‘FRV spokesperson’, to completely disregard them? – NO accountability for any number of his failings – NO integrity to be honest with us, or the community, about the ongoing failings of Minister Symes – NO respect for us when they […]
The Pakenham Gazette features a front-page story this week about the need for a Second Truck at Pakenham Fire Station. Pakenham’s population has grown by approximately 40,000 in the last decade and is expected to be 200,000 by 2041. However, the State Government and FRV will not commit to a second Truck for the fast […]
Breaking: All systems down: Minister Symes Lives are at Risk!
Despite assurances from Minister Symes last week that there are acceptable interim measures in place to track FRV Fire Trucks, following the shutdown of 3G Network, FRV is currently unable to track its Fleet. Further, Triple Zero is in manual mode relying on pagers and phones to forward emergency incident details. Minister Syme’s you have […]
Critical Appliances unavailable to attend emergency calls overnight!
Victoria’s out of date and underfunded Fire Rescue Fleet was stretched beyond capacity overnight, with only 2 of 5 Teleboom’s in Commission. Incidents in South Yarra, Caroline Springs and Northcote requested Teleboom’s however none were available. Teleboom’s are critical in providing firefighting capacity at heights, assisting in providing an effective and efficient attack on a […]
3aw’s Jacqui Felgate tees off on ‘completely unacceptable’ emergency Triple Zero outage!
UFU Delegate joined Jacqui Felgate to express concern over the latest Emergency Services IT outage, its impact on the community and Emergency Services Workers. Jacqui Felgate has teed off on the “completely unacceptable” emergency Triple Zero outage which occurred across the state yesterday. The Triple Zero computer and dispatch system was offline for nearly two […]
UFU Delegate, LFF Luke Alexander, joined ABC Mildura to discuss the impact of Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis on the region!
UFU Delegate, LFF Luke Alexander, joined ABC Mildura to discuss the impact of Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis on the region as we head toward Fire Season. To listen to the Interview click below
Out of Date St Albans Fire Truck taken offline due to brakes heating and smoking
The Western Suburbs of Melbourne continues to bear the brunt of Victoria’s Fire Truck Crisis, following a 15-year-old Truck being taken offline due to overheating brakes causing smoke to emit from the appliance. Fire Trucks in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne are being taken offline on a continuous basis, with spares constantly being unavailable. The […]
Firefighters assessed by Ambulance Victoria as 16 year old Truck fails
Firefighters stationed at FRV Headquarters were assessed by Ambulance Victoria overnight as a 16-year-old Batteries faulted. Firefighters notice a strong odour coming for the appliance batteries when inspecting the 16 year old Truck and got positive readings for Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Cyanide. The Control Unit was taken out of commission and there were no […]
Truck held together with Red Tape experiences delayed response due to Faulty Door
A Truck stationed at Hallam is being held together with Red Tape, due to a lack of replacements the faulty appliance remains on the road. The Truck stationed at Hallam also experienced a delayed response recently as appliances were forced to respond via the rear gate due to fault with the front doors. The PLC […]
Cash Strapped Government Spends record $120 million on the grandprix
Meanwhile Yet another truck breakdown this morning in western2. This government has no respect for firefighters!! Minister Symes this is another of many, many examples where your words mean nothing because your actions or rather in total inaction show words are worthless!
Urgent: West Melbourne at Risk – pumper 2a out of commission!
Our firefighters are facing a critical situation. Pumper 2A, a vital firefighting truck, is out of service due to mechanical issues. The crew responded by heading to workshops to grab a spare appliance, only to find it malfunctioning too! Right now! West Melbourne has been missing a pumper all night and counting. This puts our […]
Sunshine fire station left without a truck – our western suburbs are at risk!
Sunshine Fire Station 44 was left scrambling last night after their fire truck broke down and there were NO SPARE TRUCKS AVAILABLE ACROSS VICTORIA. This means station 44 was operating at reduced capacity overnight, leaving the western suburbs with missing fire protection. Their replacement crew arrived this morning, but they’re still stuck at the station […]
thomastown firestation now critically under staffed
BREAKING: Thomastown Fire Station Now Critically Understaffed Another breakdown! Today, Pumper Tanker 7 died on the way to train new firefighters. The transmission has broken down, and there are NO SPARE FIRE TRUCKS AVAILABLE. Our members are stuck taking a taxi back to Fire Station 07. FRV is down another vital pumper for emergencies. Thomastown […]
Firefighters condemn 11 year old “temporary” rehabilitation unit
Firefighters Condemn 11-Year-Old “Temporary” Rehabilitation Unit Originally introduced in 2013 as a “temporary fix” this rehabilitation unit has been taken out of service due to a long list of faults. Despite a 2019 proposal to replace it, FRV’s two new rehab units remain unfinished, sitting semi-completed for most of this year. This vehicle is critical […]
Last night, the Western Suburbs were left vulnerable when Footscray Fire Station 47’s Ladder Platform went offline due to multiple sensor failures. This critical piece of equipment is essential for tackling large-scale fires like the recent Derrimutt factory blaze and performing high-rise rescues. Victoria’s agining fleet of ladder Platforms, some well past their service life, […]
Firefighters and Community in CBD left at risk as Critical appliances Break down!
Breaking: Victoria’s Fire Rescue Fleet continues to buckle under the strain of neglect by Minister Symes. Overnight a Rehabilitation Unit stationed at FRV headquarters was taken Out of Commission.A district car that was sent to replace it was deemed unroadworthy due to a broken tail light. The only replacement available across the Fleet is a […]
minister Symes – you’re the only one – All these years its been with you and you have done nothing! Its no joke and something must be done. Peoples lives are at risk! fix the crisis now!
Corio FRV Station currently have two Trucks in service that should be taken off the road, but cannot due to no spare Trucks being available across the State. The almost 14 and 15 year old Trucks are approaching their mandated replacement dates, but there are no plans to replace them. A retention cable for a […]
West melbourne firefighters facing equipment crisis again!
It’s a recurring nightmare for West Melbourne’s firefighters, with their “A” pumper last week out of commission for day and no replacement available. Now, their “B” pumper is struggling to reach adequate water pressure and is making a very disturbing screeching noise. This is a statewide issue, with countless fire trucks across Victoria breaking down. […]
St Kilda Firefighters Hampered by Faulty Equipment!
Summer’s coming, and fires aren’t just a regional problem! Yesterday, firefighters from Windsor Station 35 responded to a grass fire on the St Kilda foreshore. Pumper 35B arrived first, but the crew’s quickest attack option – the pre-attached “live reel” hose – burst back at the truck, leaving them scrambling. These hoses are crucial for […]
