Firefighters have discovered that Pumper Tanker 76 (Wodonga) is offline due to a damaged water pump, rendering it unavailable for response. The fire truck has been inspected by mechanics, and unfortunately, no parts are available for the next 24-36 hours to make the necessary repairs.
This fire truck is out of date and should have been replaced by now. It is a vital resource for responding to structure fires as well as the ongoing grass and scrub fires in the area. With the state still facing dry conditions and no rain, the need for this appliance remains high.
To maintain coverage:
Pumper 75 is moving 171km from Shepparton to Wodonga
Pumper 80 is moving 150km from Craigieburn to Shepparton
Until these moves are in place, Wodonga will have no backup appliance, and Wangaratta’s Pumper 74 will have no additional support either.
Firefighters have no confidence in their out-of-date fleet of fire trucks and no confidence in FRV Commissioner Freeman to fix this fire crisis.
Victorians are paying more and more through the fire service levy, yet they are seeing less and less in return to protect them and their families.