National

Toxic smoke fire truck put crews at risk: union

By AAP Newswire

Dec 16, 2023

Fire truck smoke — The firefighters' union says smoke from an ageing truck but crews at risk at a blaze last month. -PR Handout Image

Firefighters battling a deadly factory fire in Melbourne's southeast were put at additional risk because of a malfunctioning pumper, the union claims.

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A factory worker was killed when the blaze took hold of the Superior Drive business in Dandenong South on December 8.

Four others, including two firefighters, were injured.

The United Firefighters Union says an ultra-large pumper malfunctioned during the incident, only producing half a tank of foam and emitting toxic black smoke.

Dealing with significant events such as one that occurred on Friday requires a Fleet that is up to date and fit for purpose, this appliance is over 20 years old and is itself a hazard to firefighters and the community.â€” United Firefighters Union Victoria (@UFU_Victoria) #firecrisisvictoria #springst #frv #ohs #firefighters pic.twitter.com/rFH4pyYnWX December 11, 2023

Victorian Branch Secretary Peter Marshall said the firefighters had no choice but to work alongside the toxic material for seven hours as they tackled the blaze.

"Firefighting appliances such as this ultra-large pumper should be replaced after 15 years but this firefighting appliance is over 20 years old," he said in a statement.

A video from the scene shows black smoke coming out of the vehicle, with station officer Breanne Geyle describing how difficult it was to work in the conditions.

"The foam pump throttle has been reported several times," she said in the video.

"Nothing has been done about it yet and it's really causing a lot of impact to us in this working environment.

"It's also an extremely hot and windy day and having the truck with the black smoke is just another challenge that we unfortunately have to face, which is unnecessary."

Mr Marshall said fire crews were also without Dandenong's critical ladder platform because it was sent to Traralgon to cover the breakdown of another ladder platform.

One worker was killed in the paint factory fire at Dandenong South last month. (HANDOUT/SES VICTORIA/FACEBOOK)

The unavailability of critical appliances only highlighted the need to upgrade Victoria's firefighting fleet, he said.

"Fire Rescue Victoria's policy is that vehicles are to be replaced at a maximum age of 15 years," Mr Marshall said.

"But over 70 fire trucks are so old that they should be immediately off the road, including one truck over 36 years old.

"These outdated trucks are putting the lives of professional firefighters and the community they protect at risk."

Fire Rescue Victoria has been approached for comment.