- Minister for Police and Emergency Services
The response times of Victoria's fire services across the state has not varied in the past three quarters according to the latest data released by CFA and MFB, with the full results now available to view online.
Figures for October-December 2018, which were published today, show the MFB responded to:
- 2 per cent of structure fires within 7.7 minutes, higher than the MFB and government target of 90 per cent
- 4 per cent of Emergency Medical Response incidents within 9.2 minutes, higher than the target of 90 per cent.
Overall, CFA's state-wide compliance with Community Service Delivery Standard currently sits at 87.5 per cent from a 90 per cent target, having responded to 6,297 emergency incidents between the October-December period.
This rate is a measure of the first truck arriving on scene, regardless of brigade area, and is relevant across all hazard classes.
The December quarter figures show response times continue to vary depending on the type of environment, with brigades responding to:
- 4 per cent of fires in medium-density urban areas within the standard response time of 8 minutes
- 1 per cent of fires in low-density urban areas with the standard response time of 10 minutes
- 1 per cent of fires in areas with predominantly natural surroundings within the standard response time of 20 minutes.
Up to date data from Victoria's two fire agencies is now available online, giving full transparency to all Victorians to see how their own fire services meets the needs of their community.
The complete MFB data can be viewed at mfb.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Our-Performance.html.
The complete CFA data can be viewed at cfa.vic.gov.au/about/emergency-response-times/.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Lisa Neville
"This is further evidence of the need for significant reform of our fire services. 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."
"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."
