CFA stations targeted by opportunistic thieves in Victoria

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) recorded six station break-ins across Victoria last month, close to the number it averages in a full year.

The volunteer fire service averages between six-to-eight known break-ins each year, with the true number potentially higher.

The ABC understands not all break-ins are reported.  

Chief officer Jason Heffernan said the break-ins had the potential to impact a brigade's ability to respond to emergencies. 

"[It] places an additional burden on volunteers who give their time to protect their communities," he said. 

The October break-ins were recorded in the small regional towns of Timmering, Chocolyn, Kerang, Winnindoo and Stonehaven, which was targeted twice.

"The CFA is sickened that our fire stations would ever be the target of thieves,"

Mr Heffernan said.

The CFA said it was reviewing security operations across the state in the wake of the break-ins. 

The break-ins and the damage done

At Stonehaven, near Geelong, a CFA station was targeted twice within a matter of days.

While nothing was stolen, the break-ins left a hefty repair bill. 

Acting assistant chief fire officer of district seven, Mark Collins said it was particularly disappointing ahead of what is expected to be a challenging bushfire season.

"This event has occurred to a group of dedicated volunteers who have and will continue to be there for the local community in their time of need," Mr Collins said.

Thieves took radios, chainsaws, firefighting equipment and defibrillators from other stations.

A worsening problem

At Chocolyn, near Camperdown in south-west Victoria, a break-in grounded the local brigade, meaning neighbouring brigades had to step in during emergencies.

Chocolyn brigade captain Leigh Harry said the offenders are only getting bolder and something needs to change.

"The problem is worsening and I think it is something the CFA will need to address," Mr Harry said.

"Maybe they need to go to the government to get some funding to support because it's happening way too often.

"I've been in contact with several of the other brigade captains and I've written to the CFA management asking them to review this security issue for brigades.

"At this point it's left to the brigades to make their own arrangements for security but some brigades have got funds and others don't.

"I think it needs a whole CFA review."

CFA General Manager of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Jasper Milligan, said protecting CFA equipment was vitally important.

"Following recent behaviour which has seen an increase in the number of CFA fire station break-ins, options to upgrade security are being heavily assessed, including the addition of further security cameras," Mr Milligan said.

"CFA is implementing security reviews for all structures across the state.

"Given [the] CFA has 1,200 fire brigades in Victoria, there is no quick fix, however we are taking the matter seriously, and some fire brigades have already put stricter security measures in place within their fire stations."

In August, fire authorities said they were bracing for one of the worst bushfire seasons in decades following a forecast for a warm and dry spring.

East Gippsland, far south-west Victoria, the Surf Coast, and the area west of Geelong to the southern parts of the Wombat Forest are at an elevated risk of bushfires. 

More than 436,000 hectares of land across Victoria were burnt in bushfires last year.

The Australasian Fire Authorities Council's (AFAC) latest seasonal outlook has prompted warnings from fire authorities that a heightened fire risk is "the new normal".

The CFA has been contacted for comment on security arrangements.