Key fire truck broke down during deadly Dandenong factory blaze as union slams state government

A key fire tanker malfunctioned and the ladder platform was unavailable as crews desperately worked to fight last Friday’s deadly factory fire in Dandenong.

A raging inferno that claimed the life of a factory worker in Dandenong South last week highlights the “urgent need” to upgrade Victoria’s ageing firefighting fleet, the fireys union says.

A man’s body was found two days after the massive paint factory blaze which produced a stunning fireball explosion on Superior Drive last Friday.

Four people, including two firefighters, were also injured.

The United Firefighters Union says an ageing ultra-large tanker – which was specifically requested to douse the blaze with foam – malfunctioned, producing only half a tank while toxic black smoke shot out of the vehicle’s exhaust.

That vehicle, the union says, is 20-years-old and needs urgent fixing.

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.#firecrisisvictoria#springst#frv#ohs#firefighterspic.twitter.com/rFH4pyYnWX

— United Firefighters Union Victoria (@UFU_Victoria) December 11, 2023

Crucially, the Dandenong brigade’s ladder platform had earlier been sent to Traralgon to cover for their broken system, leaving the fire to rage.

United Firefighters Union Victorian Branch Secretary Peter Marshall said the fleet of vehicles needed to be upgraded to prevent further loss of life.

“Almost half of Fire Rescue Victoria’s Melbourne fire fighting appliances are outdated, which means more breakdowns, more malfunctions and more incidents where professional firefighters can’t rely on their equipment when needed,” he said.

“At Dandenong, the 20-year-old ultra-large firefighting pumper was specifically requested to produce foam to control a massive chemical fire that threatened to impact nearby properties and the community’s safety.

“But instead of delivering the firefighting foam firefighters desperately needed to control the blaze, this outdated pumper malfunctioned.

The massive fireball explosion in Dandenong. Picture: SES Chelsea Unit

The fire tore through the factory and several cars. Picture: David Crosling

A man’s body was recovered on the Sunday. Picture: David Crosling

“Not only were firefighters unable to produce any further foam, but the appliance began producing toxic black smoke itself, which firefighters had no choice but to work beside for seven hours.

“Firefighting appliances such as this ultra-large pumper should be replaced after 15 years, but this fire fighting appliance is over 20 years old.

“That’s why we’re calling on the Victorian Government to urgently replace these outdated trucks which threaten firefighter and community safety.”

The ageing fleet needs urgent attention, the union says. Picture: David Crosling

Dozens of investigators attended the scene. Picture: David Crosling

FRV Station Officer Breanne Geyle said the malfunctioning tanker hampered her crew’s efforts on the day.

“The foam pump throttle has been reported several times. Nothing has been done about it yet and it’s really causing a lot of impact to us in this working environment,” she said.

“(It was) 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.”

In response to the union’s claims, Fire Rescue Victoria said the “minor mechanical issue” was resolved later that afternoon.

“One appliance, out of 40 on scene experienced a minor mechanical issue. It was repaired by specialist FRV mechanics that same afternoon, the 8th of December, with no further works required. This did not impact the firefighting effort,” a spokesperson said.

“At the height of the incident more than 120 firefighters and 40 firefighting appliances were deployed, including several aerial appliances.”

The service said the Oakleigh brigade’s ladder platform was one of many on scene in Dandenong and those type of trucks regularly shift around the state to meet demand.

The Herald Sun on Friday revealed the state’s CFA captains say they are in a “worse” position than before the horror 2019-20 Black Summer, with volunteer numbers dwindling.

Veteran fireys blasted the state government for slashing critical funding that has left the organisation “broken”.

The number of CFA volunteers has dipped to 28,785, down from 38,335 in 2014-15 and 31,000 in 2019.