By Esther Lauaki
Hoppers Crossing CFA is among the three busiest fire brigades in the region, responding to more than 50 incidents a month, new data shows.
CFA emergency response times for October to December reveal Hoppers Crossing brigade responded to 164 incidents in the three months – the third busiest brigade in district 14.
Melton, which covers Melbourne’s north-west and parts of the western suburbs, was the busiest in the district with 219 incidents, followed by Craigieburn, responding to 168 calls for help. Hoppers Crossing CFA’s average response time was eight minutes and 22 seconds, with 87 per cent of incidents responded to within the required eight minutes.
The data shows Werribee CFA responded to 128 call-outs and Point Cook brigade responded to 100.
Werribee brigade’s response times were the second quickest in the district, averaging six minutes and 43 seconds, with 94 per cent of incidents responded to within the required eight minutes.
Statewide, CFA compliance with the eight-minute standard sits at 87.5 per cent – below its 90 per cent target. Victorian CFA crews responded to 6297 emergency incidents in the October-December period.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said the data showed a need for reform.
“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, just like they’ve done this fire season.”
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