The Lara community in Victoria has been left without any operational firefighting vehicles after the last remaining fire truck was declared unsafe for service. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) confirmed that the appliance, a 1996 model, failed a safety inspection and has been taken off the road indefinitely.
Community Concerns Over Emergency Response
Local residents and brigade volunteers have expressed alarm over the situation, fearing that emergency response times could be severely compromised. The Lara Fire Brigade, which serves a growing population of over 16,000 people, now relies on neighboring stations for support. However, with limited resources, this arrangement may not be sustainable.
CFA District Officer Mark Thompson stated, “The safety of our volunteers and the community is our top priority. The decision to remove the truck was not taken lightly, but it was necessary to prevent potential risks.”
Impact on Volunteers
The Lara brigade has around 30 active volunteers who are now unable to respond to emergencies from their own station. Volunteer firefighter Sarah Jenkins said, “We feel helpless. We want to protect our community, but without a truck, we can’t do our job.”
The CFA has pledged to provide a replacement vehicle, but no timeline has been given. In the interim, the brigade will operate as a support unit, assisting crews from nearby stations like Corio and Geelong West.
Government Response
Local MP Christine Couzens has called for urgent action, stating that the situation is unacceptable. “Our firefighters deserve the best equipment to do their job safely. The government must prioritize funding for new fire trucks in growing communities like Lara.”
The CFA has assured the public that emergency coverage will be maintained through mutual aid agreements, but residents remain concerned about potential delays. The incident highlights broader issues of aging firefighting equipment across Victoria, with many brigades operating vehicles that are decades old.
As the community waits for a solution, volunteers are urging residents to be extra vigilant and to have fire safety plans in place. The CFA recommends that all households prepare for emergencies by clearing vegetation and having working smoke alarms.
