Work Safe Victoria is investigating safety concerns surrounding the Country Fire Authority’s ageing fleet of firefighting tankers after the CFA Volunteers Group called for independent scrutiny of the vehicles. The investigation comes as Victoria prepares for another bushfire season, with volunteers warning that some older tankers may no longer provide the level of safety and capability required for modern firefighting operations.

The CFA Volunteers Group contacted Work Safe in May requesting an investigation into the safety of single-cab tankers used by volunteer brigades across Victoria. Work Safe has confirmed that inspectors are making ongoing inquiries to determine whether health and safety risks associated with the fleet are being adequately addressed.

As part of the investigation, Work Safe inspectors have already met with CFA representatives at the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters and visited several regional fire brigades. The CFA is providing information to the regulator and facilitating access to firefighting appliances and relevant documentation.

The concerns centre particularly on older single-cab tankers. These vehicles can carry three firefighters inside the cab, while newer dual-cab tankers can accommodate up to six crew members. Volunteers have raised concerns about the conditions experienced by crews travelling in and on some of the older vehicles.

CFA Volunteers Group president John Houston said the organisation had repeatedly raised concerns about funding and equipment before approaching Work Safe. The group believes some older tankers are no longer fit for purpose and wants an independent assessment of their safety.

One of the clearest examples is the tanker operated by the Muckatah Brigade. The vehicle was built in July 1989 and is now 37 years old, making it 17 years beyond its nominal use-by date. Brigade captain Glen Hamson said the reliability of the tanker was a concern. The vehicle experienced a major pump problem late last year and was unavailable for approximately four to five months while repairs were carried out.

The Muckatah tanker is not used for strike-team duties, limiting the brigade’s ability to participate in wider firefighting operations. Volunteers have also said there is no clearly specified timeframe for when the ageing vehicle will be replaced.

The Victorian government has defended its record on CFA funding, saying the organisation is better funded and equipped than previously. The government says funding has increased each year and that a new truck is being delivered approximately every four days. It also says CFA regions have received new infrastructure funding under the latest state budget.

However, figures supplied by the CFA Volunteers Group indicate that the number of new primary tankers delivered to regional brigades has declined compared with the previous decade. About 1,400 primary tankers are distributed across 1,209 regional and peri-urban brigades.

The issue is particularly important as Victoria approaches the bushfire season, when CFA volunteers can face extreme conditions and rely heavily on their vehicles to transport crews, water and firefighting equipment.

Work Safe’s investigation will examine whether existing safety risks are being appropriately managed and whether further action is required. The regulator’s inquiries are continuing, while the CFA is cooperating with inspectors.

The debate over ageing firefighting vehicles also forms part of wider concerns raised by volunteers about equipment, funding, communications, volunteer retention and bushfire preparedness.

For CFA volunteers, the condition and reliability of firefighting tankers can directly affect their ability to respond quickly and safely during emergencies. The Work Safe investigation is therefore being closely watched as Victoria moves towards another potentially challenging fire season.

No final findings have yet been announced by Work Safe. The investigation remains ongoing, and further recommendations or actions could follow once inspectors have completed their inquiries.