CFA’s new digital radio system continues to falter ahead of fire season
CFA firefighters are continually facing major issues on the job as new technology continues to falter at important times. It has some members fearing the failures could lead to a “major fire”.
VIC News
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The Country Fire Authority’s new digital radio system is still plagued by problems on the eve of summer, with firefighters complaining of dropouts and reception issues.
The rollout in outer metropolitan districts had been suspended in January after the United Firefighters Union warned firefighters were experiencing significant coverage issues.
While the CFA has since worked to improve the system, the Herald Sun can reveal firefighters are still encountering problems with the digital devices.
Crews in district 13, covering the Yarra Ranges, have reported their radios are not functioning properly inside buildings and vehicles.
Firefighters have also found the portable devices drop out on the fire ground and are not automatically logging back into the system if a “no service” message is received.
In an email obtained by the Herald Sun, a senior firefighter encouraged colleagues to continue reporting issues as “this is the only way we can get things fixed”.
“As far back as I can remember after all our major fires, communications was the major factor that let us down and this will be the same this fire season if we do nothing,” the firefighter said.
It comes after emergency services warned that Victorians should brace themselves for a drier and warmer summer with the risk of “ferocious” bushfires.
Gippsland, which is still recovering from fires earlier this year, was a particular concern after record low rainfall.
CFA operational communications manager Jason Lawrence confirmed the authority was still dealing with reception problems.
“Throughout the rollout process, CFA identified some coverage issues which we are working through with Emergency Management Victoria, Telstra and our radio suppliers to find the best solution,” he said.
“There has been additional infrastructure investments recently to provide greater coverage and we are conducting rigorous testing on other technical fixes and enhancements in partnership with our frontline firefighters.”
Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin said the Black Saturday royal commission highlighted the importance of communication systems.
“Daniel Andrews must guarantee any concerns raised by volunteers will be fixed,” he said.
“If the radios don’t work, it will cost lives.”
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Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said the digital radios enhanced interoperability between emergency services, enabled GPS and location services and had “significantly improved coverage and communication”.
“The digital network provides enhanced coverage in areas that previously had none,” she said.
“We will continue to work with Telstra to resolve any coverage issues.”
Mr Lawrence said EMV was leading the project to phase out analog radios and enable all emergency services to be in contact via the same digital network.
“While these issues are being resolved, the community can be assured CFA’s service delivery will remain unchanged,” Mr Lawrence said.