General News
30 January, 2026
Chocolyn brigade calls for truck upgrades
FOLLOWING Tuesday’s extreme conditions and the Larralea grassfire, Chocolyn’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade is calling for the State Government to provide more funding to CFA units to upgrade their tankers.
Chocolyn CFA training coordinator Darren Teal was one of the attending firefighters at the Larralea fire, and said the heat was felt more as firefighters did not have access to air conditioning in the cabin while wearing full gear.
“You’ve got nowhere to get out of the heat – you’re stuck in the heat all day,” he said.
“It was one of those days where you wish it didn’t happen, but it did happen.
“People are getting hurt because the trucks aren’t up to standard – they can break down.
“It would be a lot better and more comfortable – people would be getting less dehydrated when they can hop into an air-conditioned cab rather than being out in the elements all day as we were.
“I wish Jacinta Allan would get us some new tankers – that would be great.”
The older tankers, including the truck used by the Chocolyn brigade, have two-to-three-seater cabins and a rear deck where other crew members stand during callouts.
Firefighter Dianne Smith said there were many risks associated with firefighters out in the elements during a fire, even with strategies and equipment for possible burn overs.
“These tankers are around 30 years old and there was even one out there that broke down,” she said.
“The hose burst on it, so it was taken out of the scenario. It was one less tanker supporting the crews.
“I ended up being taken off the tanker from heat exhaustion – there were others taken off because of the heat as well.
“We get bumped around, and I got a lot of bruises.
“We’re trying to stand there, holding a hose, and you’re jumping around and hitting things.”
Chocolyn CFA secretary Leigh Harry has been a vocal advocate for CFA volunteers.
He said there were over 230 tankers similar to Chocolyn’s across Victoria.
“It was extreme conditions heat-wise on Tuesday, but it demonstrates the risks the CFA volunteers take when they go to fight a rampaging fire – choking on smoke, fumes and dust,” Mr Harry said.
“It’s just unacceptable in modern day Occupational Health and Safety standards, especially when the CFA have already recognised it by introducing upgrades in their more modern tankers.
“They realise there is a safety issue, but we’re still forced by the lack of funding support from the government to not replace the old tankers and give the volunteers the safe workplace they deserve.”
The older tankers also lack safety airbags, reversing cameras and modern steering safety measures the modern tankers possess.
Ms Smith called for Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to show respect to the CFA.
“For starters, all the money collected from the ESVF should go back to the CFA – because that’s not where it’s going,” she said.
“Jacinta Allan is also refusing to meet with the CFA.
“She just needs to really see what it’s like out there – it was hot and windy, and the heat off the paddock was unbelievable.
“It’s respect the CFA members want to see from Jacinta Allan and the government.”
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