By Esther Lauaki
Melton and Caroline Springs CFA are among the three busiest fire brigades in the region, responding to nearly 400 incidents in the past quarter, new data shows.
Latest CFA response times for October to December reveal the Melton brigade responded to 219 incidents over the three months, making it the busiest brigade in district 14.
Craigieburn, which covers Melbourne’s north-west and parts of the west, was the second busiest responding to 168 incidents, followed by Caroline Springs with 161.
The data also shows that Melton CFA’s average response time is seven minutes and 59 seconds, with 91 per cent of incidents responded to within the required eight minutes.
Caroline Springs brigade’s response time averaged eight minutes and 50 seconds with 79 per cent of incidents responded to within the required eight minutes.
Statewide, CFA’s compliance with the Community Service Delivery Standard sits at 87.5 per cent – below its 90 per cent target.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said the data showed a need for significant reform of fire services statewide.
“We’re committed to implementing a positive plan that will ensure both our career and volunteer firefighters are supported to keep doing their great work,” Ms Neville said.
“We need a system in place that allows for us to plan ahead of growth occurring in communities, so we can keep Victorians safe.
“We’ll continue to invest in our fire services to ensure they have the resources and training they need to perform the vital task of protecting the lives and property of Victorians.”
Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/emergency-response-times.
