Regional Victorians have been left dangerously exposed just weeks before the fire season, according to a local politician.
Member for Eastern Victoria and Shadow Minister for Public Land Management Melina Bath slammed the Allan Labor Government for "an unacceptable failure" following a decision to ground the state's entire frontline forest firefighting fleet.
The Nationals leader and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Danny O'Brien demanded answers after the G-Wagens and Unimog fleet was pulled off the road indefinitely amid serious safety concerns.
Used by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) for rapid response and access to remote terrain, Mr O'Brien said it was the second time the fleet had been grounded and "Victorians deserve answers on how this failure was allowed to happen and what steps will be taken to ensure community safety."
A government spokesperson confirmed yesterday that almost 350 vehicles had been removed from service.
They said routine inspections had identified cracking issues with chassis on a large part of the G-Wagens and on added infrastructure on some Unimog fleet. As a result, all 290 G-Wagens and 59 Unimogs were removed from service to be checked and, if necessary, repaired.
"These repairs are being fast tracked over the next two months and FFMVic is working on agreements to secure additional emergency response vehicles from other states if required.
"The safety of our firefighters is paramount, that's why regular safety inspections of vehicles and equipment are so important," the spokesperson said.
DEECA has a contingency fleet available as well as Landcruiser vehicles, fire tanks and bulldozers for fire response. VICSES and CFA also have provided vehicles.
However, following warnings of a dangerous fire season ahead, Mr O'Brien believed it would be CFA volunteers who would be forced to fill the gap, stretching already overworked brigades.
"Victorians are paying an additional $3 billion through Labor's new emergency services tax, yet the CFA is relying on ageing vehicles and is now being asked to cover for FFMV, an organisation now being funded by these additional taxes," he said.
Ms Bath said almost 40 per cent of the state was public land.
"Labor's failure to manage bushfire preparedness is putting lives at risk," she said. "At a time when we need every piece of equipment and personnel working to reduce risk, it is our CFA volunteers who are asked to carry the load with ageing equipment and limited resources."